The Meadow Makers' Network Forum

Hedgerow lovers and those concerned about the management of Devon's hedges might like to know that National Hedge Week begins tomorrow. The Tree Council is the main organisation involved. Hedgerows, as we all know, are great for wildlife - a well managed Devon hedge can support more than 2,000 diffe...

Hi Kim, Thank you for your post. I recently set up a More Meadows group in West Devon and we wondered whether people in the Torridge area might like to join our group - at least until there's a closer one to you? I live near St Giles on the Heath (between Holsworthy and Launceston) so I'm a little d...

Hi Amy, Interesting questions. Like you I still have dead stems in my garden. To be honest I'm not entirely sure if they have much value. I think not because insects don't need to use them for shelter in the summer. I had a look at Buglife's website and it only talks about leaving a patch of grass t...

Hi Jane,
I shopuld have also made the point that fallen dead wood has much value too. Unfortunately I think many woodland owners can't resist the temptation to 'tidy up' and move it or remove it altogether.

Hi Amy, I agree. One of the few benefits of Ash die back will be more standing dead wood which is an amazing wildlife habitat. Ash die back is quite advanced on our land but I shall only remove trees where there is a safety issue or where I wish to create glades or widen rides to benefit wildlife. I...

Hi Amy and Jane, Thank you for your posts and your really interesting observations. I'm no expert but I think in terms of attracting birds (and wildlife generally) its all about having a diversity of habitat and plants, shrubs and trees. I've certainly seen Goldfinches feeding on Knapweed, Teasels ...

Hi George,
Thanks for getting back. It sounds fantastic. So the Trust visited recently? Have you culm grassland do you think - this is a very rare type of wet grassland?
Best wishes
Jon

Hi George, Welcome to the group. Did the wildlife trust visit recently and did they offer any advice on management? Did they say your farm was valuable for wildlife? I wondered if they'd sent you a letter after their visit as it would be useful to see it. You can email me privately on jon.valters@bt...

Hi Yvette, Welcome to Devon and our new group. That sounds a really exciting project - fantastic. If you post under the making meadows section about your project you might find other members offer you some help and advice - and maybe seeds/green hay. You also might find there's someone not too far a...

Hi David, Thank you for getting in touch. It sounds a great project. It would be useful to know if you have a date when the work will be carried out? Do we have a deadline to work to here?! First of all I would suggest you put another post on the general forum under the Making Meadows section about ...