Who knew there were so many different varieties of grass! We have a huge mixture here on the two farms, and its wonderful to see each of them flower and attract such a diverse selection of wildlife.
Arable reversion (SW7) Grass mix:
Planted September 2017 on a Higher level Stewardship, the sanfoin has been a wonderful source of food/pollen for the bees. The grass is cut in July for hay and then becomes a playground for hares, partridges, pheasants etc.
GS4 Herble rich ley was again planted in Sept 17 and in its first year was
grazed by Sheep and taken for hay. In the second year it has not been grazed and the chickory has really come forth and is being taken for cattle fodder for the winter. The clovers have been amazing this year and every nectar lover is benefitting
SW1 grass margins surround our herbs crops, giving a nice buffer between the crop and hedgerow.
Our last grass is the permanent pastures GS13 which is grazed by our livestock in a rotation and is mainly on the clay side of the farm. Due to historical wires and drains they have never been ploughed, (they were once and we cut off the whole area telephone system!)