Habitat Creation | Grasslands

Management Regimes

There are many ways to manage new or established grasslands. The regime must be suitable for the species chosen or found on the site, to allow flowering and seeding, and to favour the selected species. Once embarked upon, the same regime should be followed in the long term to allow the site to develop its own particular character and range of species.

However, there must always be some compromise between the requirements of the diversity of grassland flora and fauna which a site might support. For example, certain species of butterflies will be favoured by the length of the grasses and the cutting regimes. Different interest groups will have their own priorities of what should be favoured on the site. The unexpected arrival of a rare species may change the priorities. Whilst having clear aims for the site, there must also be a flexibility to adapt as circumstances change.

On larger sites, a combination of several regimes may favour a larger diversity of flora and fauna. Corners, edges and centres can be left uncut as invertebrate havens, and then cut back on rotation to prevent them from turning to scrub.

Flower lawns
Flowering perennial are adapted to close mown conditions and frequent trampling. Don't mow during May or June, during the rest of the growing season mow every two weeks. This treatment is good for areas which need to be kept relatively "neat"

Spring Meadows
Cutting late in Spring follows the hay making tradition, and allows for a number of flowers and grasses to set seed. Usually in May, but varying with local weather conditions. Hay making can be done as a community activity. A good method for areas which don't need to be kept short and tidy all year, on recreation or camping grounds for example.

Summer Meadows
A Summer flowering meadow has tall species that compete with the grasses, they are appealing to many butterflies. Cut the meadow in April, May and June to discourage coarse grasses from becoming dominant, and remove the cuttings. At the end of June, leave the meadow uncut to allow the wildflowers to grow and seed. Managed right, and depending on the seeds in the soil you may see knapweed, field scabious, hardhead and Ox-eye daisy.

Learn more about wildflower seed mixes and methodology.

Composting
If you leave some hay in a corner of the grassland it will encourage animals as small mammals, snakes and other reptiles to hibernate there. It also makes a good mulch for any future tree planting projects.