Why Consider Establishing a Wildflower Meadow?
Wildflower meadows, along with other species-rich grasslands and hedgerows, hold a special place in the heritage of the UK. Sadly, due to intensive farming methods, these meadows have dwindled to a fraction of their what they were. Only a generation ago, there were wildflower meadows in every parish, but it's estimated that a staggering 97% of them have vanished since the 1930s, along with 50% of our hedgerows since 1945.
These meadows and hedgerows are not just a scenic backdrop; they are vibrant ecosystems that support a diverse array of wildlife. From wildflowers and fungi to bees, butterflies, reptiles, and birds, they create a haven for nature's wonders. However, their decline has put 40% of the UK's pollinating insects, including half of our butterfly species, at risk of extinction.
To tackle this issue, we are using the traditional methods which were in place before intensive farming practices took over. Our annual maintenance programme includes:
Spring / Summer
Early Spring:
An early cut to suppress vigorous grasses competing with wildflowers, with designated strips left to encourage insects, butterflies, and barn owls.
Cutting and removal of meadow cuttings.
Summer:
Controlling dominant weeds like thistles, nettles, and ragwort using selective weedkiller or volunteer working parties.
A cut and lift operation.
Ongoing maintenance of permissive paths.
Autumn/Winter
Early Winter:
Assessing the meadow for additional seeding needs, particularly in areas seeded with annuals.
Checking and performing necessary maintenance on all hedge and tree plantings.
Late Winter:
Carefully timed hedge trimming to ensure wildlife can feed on autumn berries before the nesting season begins.
Progress so far:
Since we started work on the meadow in 2023, we have:
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Planted more than 400 hedging trees around the perimeter
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Erected safety fencing along the A149 main road
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Installed 12 memorial benches
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Installed three memorial picnic tables
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Put up 30 bird boxes, 50% of which were used last year
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Put up two owl boxes, one of which successfully raised three young kestrels last year
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Planted 50 memorial trees, sponsored by members of the community
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Seeded 12 acres with perennial and annual wildflowers
Creating a Haven for Wildlife:
In addition to the wildflower areas, our commitment to hedges, trees, and undisturbed zones will offer resources and homes for a wide range of wildlife. Bird boxes, including barn owl boxes, have been put up to provide nesting and roosting spaces for birds.
Tracking Progress:
To monitor the meadow's development, we've conducted a baseline survey of birds, animals, insects, flowers, and grasses with the help of Gemma Walker and Garry Hibberd of the NWT.
What's on the Horizon:
Getting a wildflower meadow established is going to take a number of years – there is no quick fix. Last year, we had a colourful display of annuals – poppies, cornflowers in the strip alongside the main road. We checked our perennial seedlings in the middle of the year. These are slowly establishing themselves and next season will begin to compete with the grasses for space and light. It will be a few more years before they win through. We need to be patient!
We have plenty of ongoing maintenance work to avoid the meadow succumbing to grasses and eventually becoming scrubland. We do a cut and lift every autumn, once the wild flowers have seeded, and we attack invasive weeds like ragwort, on a regular basis to stop them taking over.