Area of rough grassland bank next to a stream

Community grasslands

We had a visit from Glorious Grasslands today to assess what can be down with public spaces to support wildflowers. There are some moves to put proposals to the Parish Council and other land owning trusts to change the management regime of certain patches of grassland to encourage more biodiversity and connecting corridors.

There were two promising areas of unimproved calcareous grassland that make good candidates for restoration.

One is a large, south facing bank between an amenity area and a stream. And the other is a small common area by the side of a busy road.

They don’t necessarily need over seeding – the first task will be to cut and rake off to reduce nutrient.

Rough grass in front of trees and next to a road
Unimproved grassland ripe for restoration

There were also some more public areas which would benefit from a native perennial seed mix and late season cut. It’s a multi year project to get them established, but once they take hold, they don’t need annual seeding.

Once the various permissions are obtained, there will need to be a volunteer group established to carry out the management plan.

This week in 2024 ...

A river with grassy bank on the right and trees on the opposite bank

Improving river health

Double river duty this morning, first with Tony at Ebley for the regular riverfly monitor and then checking the rafts on the...
Read More
A freshly dug potato patch with garden forks upright in the mud and buckets to the left

Turning over potatoes

A grey start to the day at Wild Acres, but no rain forecast. Definitely needed a fleece today. I started the day...
Read More
A cleared glade in a small woodland with vegetation cut close to the floor

Creating a glade by the river

The first winter habitat management day with Glorious Grasslands is always a nice start to the season. A chance to catch up...
Read More
A rail fence in a field next to a canal

Fencing and fruit pen

The winter fencing project continues at Fromebridge with the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust. The main task was to continue banging in fence posts...
Read More
Truck in a field full of tools with the tailgate down. Forks stuck in ground in the foreground

Orchard scythe, autumn walk

The regular monthly orchard work party with the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust at Fromebridge in the morning. The tasks this month were scything...
Read More
A cut area of common with clippings removed. Brush cutter in the foreground

Cutting and clearing grass on Uley Common

This afternoon was the second work party to restore the grassland on Uley Common over the Winter. I was joined by David,...
Read More