Creating a Wildflower Meadow
Please note
If you require the printed factsheet on "Creating and looking after a Wildflower Meadow" then you must enclose a stamped addressed envelope. |
|
Old meadows provide a home for many colourful wildflowers. They are the natural homes for butterflies, bees and grasshoppers. No wonder meadows have been the traditional places for picnics and summer walks.
In recent years over 95% of our wildflower meadows have disappeared. Although they can never be exactly recreated, with a lot of patience, colourful wildflower meadows can be grown from scratch. But it requires long-term commitment. Beware – meadow creation can involve introducing plants which may spread to sensitive areas, such as ancient pasture. This can upset the natural balance. If in doubt seek advice from the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust or your own local Wildlife Trust.
Looking after a Wildflower Meadow
Meadows can be a haven for wildlife, but only if they are properly looked after. Without care, dead plants will build up allowing bramble, thistles and scrub to take over.
Ancient wildflower meadows have been cut or grazed in the same way for centuries. Most of the plants and animals within your meadow can be conserved by grazing or cutting in a traditional way. However, meadow management can be complex. Before any work is started, you must survey the meadow to find out if it is old or contains rare or unusual wildflowers. Such meadows need careful management. You should contact the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust or your own local Wildlife Trust for advice.
Information taken from The Wildlife Trusts Action Pack, published 1994
