Wildflower meadow creation on the Cotswolds
CSa Inputs: Ecological Advice
Date: 2010 – ongoing
Client: Private Individual
As part of the refurbishment of an abandoned farmstead in the Cotswolds in Gloucestershire, CSa was asked to help reinstate a traditional wildflower hay meadow surrounding the farmhouse. This involved cultivating and reseeding a permanent ‘improved’ agricultural rye grass field and reverting it to a diverse sward of attractive native wildflowers and grasses.
Specialist British grass and flower seed for this project has been sourced from ‘Flower Farms’ who grow and distribute native species, suited to local soil conditions. By utilizing some traditional management techniques, such as low intensity grazing and hay cutting, it is hoped that, as well as the visual effect of the flowering meadow, there will also be a direct benefit in terms of the biodiversity associated with this field.
Despite a difficult year in terms of weather, including a cold winter and dry spring, the meadow has really come to life late in 2011 and is establishing very well. Next year promises to be even better now that the grasses are becoming established and weed invasion will be reduced.
