Plantlife 2022
Meadows plants on the rise
New plant species are breaking through the dense knapweed filled fields.
Since the first (non Habitat People) attempt to establish a meadow in the northern fields, the species diversity had polarised on just a few species. A huge covering of greater knapweed with patches of creeping thistle and the odd broadleaf dock. Not bad species to have, the quantity and dominence was the issue.
Our goal is to massively increase the number of species. This will provide food for a much larger number of insects, flower for a longer period of the year, look more beautiful and store more carbon.
The Habitat People are succeeding! On recent visits we have noted more than 20 new species of flowering plant in good number. Meadow cranesbill (a wild relative of geraniums), yellow rattle (key player in all meadows), yellow vetchling and birds foot trefoil are just some. Have a look at the video below, taken Friday. The best way to see these flowers is in person so make a trip of it.
No new seed was sown, but ground was exposed. These plants are the result of old seedbank, wind and animal dispersed seeds. We have now begun a regular knapweed cutting program to keep the meadow ripe for germination. This should help many new species flourish.
P4 on Friday
Meadow Cranesbill above
Yellow Rattle to right
