As the summer draws to a close the flowers and grasses of our meadows have flowered and set seed, which means its now time to mow them and lift the cuttings. Over the coming weeks the grasslands within the project will be getting cut, and we are hoping for some more sunshine as the old saying goes ‘make hay while the sun shines’, as this makes the seeds dry and aids them to fall off and return to the seed bank in the soil for next year.
It is important, where possible, to lift the cut grasses as this will reduce the nutrients which benefits the wildflowers and fine grasses. This will also help the meadow improve year on year reducing the bulk of vigorous grasses. Which we have seen clearly at our verge at Drumcroon Rd, which is cut and lifted by a local farmer, who is also a project volunteer, the number of bails harvested each year has reduced year on year, approximately 9, 7 then 5 this year. His cows also really enjoy the species rich hay form this site.
We would love to hear from any farmers close to our sites who would like to get involved and help to cut and lift the grass.
