We’re happy to share the news that we have cattle back in the top meadow! They arrived on Saturday afternoon, three to begin with but with a couple more expected over the coming days, and they have settled into their new surroundings well. I took a walk over to see them this morning and from ' evidence' around the water trough I can confidently say that they know where to take a drink. Despite looking a little disheveled with their coats matted in a bit of mud and dung, they are undeniably a little cuter than the group that we had last year and will no doubt flourish on the thick green grass and buttercups. Apart from keeping the grass mown they also help spread a variety of herbs, grasses and wildflowers as they move about their enclosure and that area has seen an increase in plant biodiversity over the last two years.
Last week also saw the near completion of the wildflower plug plant out with just a few remaining to be 'grown on' at space2grow. Eight areas are now planted out with approximately 7000 plugs and we are hoping for a 70% survival rate, which might well be achievable with rain forecast for the coming week. The species chosen for the sites are all native and include Wild Primrose, Goatsbeard, Hawksbit and Cowslip. In all 17 varieties have been planted out. Here is a full list and quantities of each.
It had been hoped that we could involve local schoolchildren, business' and volunteers from the BMT in this activity but we were forced to change tack under the restrictions of the Covid 19 outbreak. A big thank you from Nick Green ( Land Manager ) to those members who were asked to help and who did such a sterling job.
Image courtesy of Jonathan Durham ARPS
It has now been just over a month since we were all told to stay at home as the country locked itself down to help curb the spread of Covid 19. During this time the meadows have seen a noticeable increase in the amount of people using them for their permitted exercise and everyone is taking the social distancing restrictions seriously. The paths that criss-cross the land are now much wider and worn through the increase in foot traffic but so far there hasn't been any need for increased litter patrols. It would also appear that dog walkers are being more mindful about picking up after their animals, perhaps due in part to the new signage that can be seen at various points or because they are being more socially responsible with so many people about. Either way it is wonderful that the meadows are being discovered, explored and used by many more people than normal.