The Meadow Makers' Network Forum

Hi Philip, That looks amazing. Hav you any pictures of the hedge before the work was done? It would be interesting to see. There's a really good Devon Hedge Group which is free to join. I would highly recommend it. They organise visits to farms and nature reserves. They have also published an excell...

Hi Philip, Happy New Year. I'm a bit dubious about trying to use electric fencing as if any of the animals did break through we would have great difficulty finding and getting them back. I also don't like the hassle of having to move the electric fencing on a regular basis. I'm sad to say that i don...

Hi Philip,
Are your fields fenced - could you graze it with just a few animals? Our place isn't fenced so I haven't the option at the moment.
all the best
Jon

Hi Philip, I agree - its easy to underestimate the value of many meadows. Mine in St Giles on the Heath aren't particularly rich in flowers but still support harvest mice, glow worm, many butterflies and the occasional barn owl. Because Harvest mice can breed late in the year I try and cut the meado...

Hi Jason, Welcome to More Meadows. I'm not too far from you in St Giles on the Heath. It would be useful to know the size of the area, what was there before, the type of soil you have and how fertile it may be and what you have done so far. I came across this useful article by Trevor Dines from Plan...

Dear Yvette, I realise you're at the beginning of the planning stage. Its great that you've contacted the Freshwater Habitats Trust and they've been able to help. One thing the Trust stresses is not to create a new pond in existing wetlands e.g. flushes, wet meadows, springs or temporary ponds. This...

Hi Yvette, What a fantastic project - creating a pond or ponds is so beneficial for wildlife. The Freshwater Habitats Trust do produce a very good book simply called the Pond Book. I know you don't want too much information but it contains one chapter all about making new ponds. One page has a list ...

According to the Tree Council two new grants are about to become available for planting new hedgerows and hedgerow trees. The first has already been launched - The Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) is working with farmers and landowners across England to offer management advice and grants f...

Thank you for replies to my earlier post. I have now sent a follow-up email to the CEO of the Tree Council asking for more information about the grants available for tree and hedge related projects. When I hear back I will put any useful information in a new post.
Jon

I recently emailed the Chief Executive of the Tree Council about the appalling management of many of Devon's hedges. The Council launched the first National Hedgerow Week last month. I was keen to find out if they were lobbying Government to reward farmers for managing hedges for wildlife and to mit...