Ongoing Management

Wildflower meadows need to be cut to mimic grazing. This prevents vigorous species taking over and nutrients being released back into the soil as vegetation dies back over winter. It will also prevent shrubs and trees establishing.

Set a cutting regime according to your site and species.

Cut when the flowers you want to establish or maintain have set seed.
Incorporate annual variations to allow late flowering plants to periodically set seed.
Aim for a sward length of 5 to 10cm, once cut. You can use an adjustable lawn mower, a strimmer, brush- cutter or handheld scythe. Do not use a mulching mower.

Hand weed out unwanted species. Do not use any chemical herbicides or you risk damage to the species you are looking to establish.

Allow seeds to set. Leave the cuttings on site for a couple of days to allow the seeds to drop out.

Keep the nutrients low. A high nutrient status favours vigorous, undesirable species. Cuttings need to be removed to prevent nutrients being released into the soil. Never fertilise the site.

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Ongoing Management

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