GARDEN MEADOW RESTORATION

This small area of grassland, directly adjoining a SSSI National Nature Reserve had for many years been mown short.  Over a period of 5+ years, by cutting just once or twice per year, removing the arisings, and regularly scarifying, the results have been wonderful!  The only plant I introduced was our friend the meadow-maker 'yellow rattle', otherwise all species which now thrive were either lying dormant or arrived naturally and were simply allowed to grow unhindered.  The population of early purple orchid is increasing by some 30% year on year.