Walking the wildflower meadows

On Thursday, June 2^nd, some 15 members of the branch had a fascinating and informative walk around the meadows of the Beech Estate in West Sussex, led by Keith Datchler, the Estates Manager.

Sunshine and scenery

The fields that make up this estate have been farmed for generations by traditional, organic methods, with low-intensity grazing and late mowing as essential components of their management, thus ensuring their continuation as nutrient-impoverished but species-rich meadows

Footpath through meadow

This High Weald area also had a tradition, dating back to pre-roman times, of mining for and smelting of iron. These trades continued into the 17^th century and their demand for ore, sand, charcoal and water, their spoil, and the remains of many wattle and daub cottages, left their mark on the land, increasing the variety of habitats and so further improving biodiversity.

Species-rich

As a consequence of this history these largely unimproved meadows annually produce a remarkable crop of wild flowers, averaging some 50 species per square metre, with large swathes of Ox-eye Daisies with Stitchwort, Yellow Rattle, Devil’s Bit Scabious, various species of orchid, and many other Downland plants including even some Hemlock and the comparatively rare Dyers Greenweed.

Hover fly on Ox-eyed Daisy - photo Brian Nobbs

Because of the variety of plants present the hay from these fields, rich with wild-flower seeds, has been harvested and spread to enhance the biodiversity of other fields that are species-poor as a result of earlier ploughing or the addition of fertilizer. The most effective method for this re-seeding has been to sow the grass-free but species-rich seed mix in just a strip down the centre of the new field, then to rely on natural wind and animal spread either side of this strip, a process that normally takes many years to complete.

Common Spotted Orchid - photo Brian Nobbs

As well as the wild flowers, the estate also boasts a rich variety of butterflies and other insects, birds such as Yellow Hammer, Black cap, Buzzard, and even a Red Kite, four species of deer and other animals with some harvesting of deer and wild boar to contribute to the financial viability of the estate.

It was a most enjoyable walk in the sunshine, enriched by the knowledge of our guide and the expertise of our members; a truly memorable morning.