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Cutting meadows
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gil
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Joined: 08 Jun 2005
Posts: 18415

PostPosted: Thu Jun 11, 15 9:22 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Try contacting SABI (Scythe Assoc of Britain and ireland), see whether there are mowers in your area.

If you can get it cut and carted off, I would recommend. It probably will make it much harder to cut next year. (voice of bitter experience here; and I've also seen it in other 'wildflower meadows')

Rob R



Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 31902
Location: York
PostPosted: Fri Jun 12, 15 7:30 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Cathryn wrote:
Thank you for your answers by the way. I knew them already. I realise that at some point Treac wants to cut hay which might have influenced them but really I was hoping that there might be some thought in different directions.


It does sound like it would make a lovely building plot, or is that not what you meant?

Treacodactyl
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Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 25795
Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism
PostPosted: Fri Jun 12, 15 10:10 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Rob R wrote:
Cathryn wrote:
Thank you for your answers by the way. I knew them already. I realise that at some point Treac wants to cut hay which might have influenced them but really I was hoping that there might be some thought in different directions.


It does sound like it would make a lovely building plot, or is that not what you meant?


No need, house is already there. As for Cathryn's question, long term it would go back to woodland. Bracken is encroaching from the woodland boundary and that can be kept in check by mowing a wide path. Brambles may also spread but roe deer will keep them in check. There's a few rabbits about but not enough to make much difference to the grass and no red deer that I know of. (Red deer seem to get ignored round these parts as grazing animals by those that want funding to look after grassland). I expect they're be a few tree seedlings appearing, probably down to the jays planting nuts and seeds, but I can pull those out/transplant them easily enough.

gregotyn



Joined: 24 Jun 2010
Posts: 2201
Location: Llanfyllin area
PostPosted: Thu Jun 18, 15 2:00 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

I have given my hay crop away for the last 10 years to a horse lady who wanted non fertilised grass to feed her little darlings and it has worked well for me. It is the only thing that happens to my grass, its annual cut! There are plenty of folks for whom an acre of grassland is all they need to feed their stock and prefer to know where it comes from. Before, when I had an acre paddock on which I fattened 6 lambs in winter, a local small dairy farmer was glad of that ground to make hay and give me 6 bales for my sheep's winter fodder. You just have to put it about locally and someone will turn up for your hay crop!

Mutton



Joined: 09 May 2009
Posts: 1508

PostPosted: Sat Jun 27, 15 9:42 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

For hay cutting, two things folks will want to know

1. Any rocks sticking up or stones lying on the surface

2. Any lumps and bumps/lots of molehills.

Both of the above blunt, or even break, the blades on a mower.

Treacodactyl
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Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 25795
Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism
PostPosted: Sat Jun 27, 15 9:02 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Molehills yes, in a field in one corner. Stones, who knows as there's a covering of tall grass and wild flowers at the moment. What about giant puffballs, there's quite a few of them?

dpack



Joined: 02 Jul 2005
Posts: 46168
Location: yes
PostPosted: Mon Jun 29, 15 2:21 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

stones are an issue even if scything

Nick



Joined: 02 Nov 2004
Posts: 34535
Location: Hereford
PostPosted: Mon Jun 29, 15 2:27 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Puffballs, less so.

Treacodactyl
Downsizer Moderator


Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 25795
Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism
PostPosted: Mon Jun 29, 15 9:19 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Accidental pheasant Tsujigiri is a distinct possibility while scything, they seem to love the long grass at the moment.

dpack



Joined: 02 Jul 2005
Posts: 46168
Location: yes
PostPosted: Tue Jun 30, 15 4:02 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

that is a mixed blessing,bad for birdie ,ideal for dinner

Jam Lady



Joined: 28 Dec 2006
Posts: 2566
Location: New Jersey, USA
PostPosted: Tue Jun 30, 15 5:48 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Can you burn it?

https://www.bellewood-gardens.com/2015/Garden%20at%20Federal%20Twist-%20Burning%20Grasses_2015-03.html

It is the preferred method for maintaining prairie / meadows here in the USA where the grassland is neither mowed nor grazed.

Nick



Joined: 02 Nov 2004
Posts: 34535
Location: Hereford
PostPosted: Tue Jun 30, 15 6:55 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Stubble burning was outlawed years back. Suspect not, therefore.

Eta. Turns out burning is a legal option.

Treacodactyl
Downsizer Moderator


Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 25795
Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism
PostPosted: Tue Jun 30, 15 8:18 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Swaling (controlled burning of grass, heather, gorse etc) is quite common round these parts although on rougher ground. I wouldn't fancy having a go myself as my meadows next to a fair bit of gorse and woodland. I'd also like to get hold of the organic matter rather than burn it.

Ty Gwyn



Joined: 22 Sep 2010
Posts: 4610
Location: Lampeter
PostPosted: Tue Jun 30, 15 11:59 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Strangely by burning you also create organic matter.

Mistress Rose



Joined: 21 Jul 2011
Posts: 15932

PostPosted: Wed Jul 01, 15 6:51 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

You do create a certain amount of charcoal and also release nutrients like potash.

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