Just one week after the hay bales were removed from the meadow, we had a 24 hour intense rainfall event which caused the river to break its banks and flood the meadow. The rainfall came on Sunday 22nd and Monday 23rd September with local rain gauges recording 100mm + in the 24hr period. The ground was bone dry with large cracks in it, but despite this the river flooded into the meadow and swamped the temporary fencing we had put up for the aftermath grazing. Fortunately we didn't lose any fencing as we have learned to take the bottom strand of wire out, as this catches on large woody debris and pulls the fence over. The water receded within 24 hours, but was back up again with heavy rain again on Thursday 26th September. Not much chance of grazing or seeding at the moment!
by Mike Hopkins
28Sep2024
Plugging them in.
In an effort to increase the odds of germination we are trying to establish our wildflowers in individual plugs. We have 1440 plugs in trays of 72, filled with a standard peat-free compost. The seeds have come from existing plants in the meadow and also individually packed seed species from Emorsgate Seeds. We have carefully sown individual seeds into each plug applying light pressure to get good soil contact and then sprinkled clay granules over the surface of each tray to put the slugs off. Hopefully these seeds will germinate and we can plant them out in the meadow next spring/autumn.
by Mike Hopkins
6Sep2024
Easy pickings.
With the meadow cut, the cover is blown for the voles and mice. There are four herons that patrol the meadow for easy food and the little rodents are thier prey. Herons are successful hunters as they have the ability to stand perfectly still and strike quickly and directly, without any lateral movement. Other carnivourous birds are joining in the feast, there are two kestrels zooming around and red kites and buzzards circling overhead. It must be like a war zone for the mice! Once captured they are devoured and their kidneys and stomachs are regurgitated - we have found these entrails on the tops of some of the round bales where dinner must be served!
