It’s the end of the season for grassland wildflowers now so the Fort Field meadow was mown and baled by our contractor last week. Don’t worry, it will be back next year!
Cutting a meadow to the ground and taking away the cuttings is an important stage in wildflower management. For wildflowers to grow well they need the fertility in the soil to be low, much lower than gardens or farmers fields. So we don’t leave the old growth to rot down as that will release nitrogen and other fertilisers.
Why low fertility? Grasses love fertile soil, growing tall and thick, very quickly. Wildflowers can’t compete and get drowned out.
How do you know when it’s time to cut a meadow? The key is to wait until the flowers have dried out completely and the seeds are dropping to the ground. We also look out for small flocks of goldfinches which feed on the seeds. We cut, then turn the hay 3 or 4 times which releases more seeds and allows it to dry out really well before baling it. So we need a week of good dry weather- not a problem this year, but it can be a challenge.
A lot of the plants in the field are perennials, but some of the seeds that fall will grow into the flowers that will feed the pollinators in the future.
Hay made from a wildflower meadow is pretty tough stuff for animals to eat. It’s too stalky and chewy for horses or cows, only goats or donkeys can manage it. This year, the Fort Field bales have gone to the Soil Farm where the hay is likely to be used for bedding for chickens and pigs.
If you have any questions about Fort Field, let us know at contact@pollinatorproject.gg. And stay in touch with progress by joining Friends of Fort Field on Facebook.