In his recent Site Manager's Blog, Dave mentioned the how we are progressing on creating a true, old fashioned hay meadow. The site is difficult with even the soil having been moved around and incorporating building rubble, and heavily fertilised in the past. Rank grass and weeds predominate.
Early on it was decided to add Hay Rattle, or Yellow Rattle - both names are used - and seed was bought in a by the kilo. In addition seed was obtained from local sources as this is a plant with many subspecies all preferring different habitats. It will only grow if the seed is fresh, is pressed into the surface of bare soil then chilled for several weeks. This happens naturally where cattle graze but we had to do this ourselves with a strimmer in the Autumn. The following year there was moderate success along what had been the mown 'short cut' path. Enough seed to sow more areas was collected.
Last Summer we collected about 5 litres of seed and spread this all along the edge of the meadow and the result is impressive with some large patches where it has established.
Look close and the bees are feeding on the nectar and the grass is not quite so tall, and a few other flowering plants are there.
The individual plants are easy to identify. The easiest place to see them close to in on the top of the Jubilee Mound right next to the path.
The meadow is cut for hay late in the Summer then the sheep graze in Winter. Seed will again be collected before mowing. Cutting or grazing too early will prevent it seeding and kill some wildlife.
Why bother? A meadow of weak grass growth with lots of flowers and associated insects is the perfect place for Skylarks and Lapwings to nest and feed their young. For me the song of these two birds makes Spring.
It will take several years to achieve a 'perfect' meadow, lots more work, but a start has been made. .
Peter