Management

The 2020 Ecological Survey raised a number of important recommendations regarding the management of the green, in order to not damage or diminish its biodiversity or destroy the ecological balance.

The key recommendations were as follows:

Grassland

  • As much of the grassland at Forest Green as possible should be managed by annual hay cutting with multiple selected rotationally cut ‘islands’ left uncut each year to allow grassland invertebrates to complete their life cycles.
  • Where such ‘islands’ are unshaded they should be cut on a 3 years on/one year off rotation (i.e. hay cut for three years along with the rest of the Green, then left uncut in the fourth year but flailed the following winter/spring). All arisings resulting from flailing should ideally be collected and removed from site.
  • Selected stands adjacent to woodland and hedges should continue to be flailed on a 2-3 year rotation. Again, arisings should ideally be removed.
  • Any chance to introduce aftermath livestock grazing within rotationally sited temporary enclosures across the Green should be explored to control broad-leaved grasses and thereby increase species richness.
  • There should be no further loss of any grassland to scrub or woodland. Despite increasing interest in tree planting and ‘rewilding’, it will have a negative effect on nature conservation interest and little or no effect on carbon sequestration; in fact, quite possibly the opposite
  • Ditch clearing should be undertaken on a five year rotation. However, it is essential that ditches are never deepened.

Ponds

  • Both ponds will require dredging at some point in the future if they are not to be lost. However, it is important not to ever over-deepen shallow ponds and rotational de-silting is always best to ensure maintenance of seed banks and silt-dependent fauna.
  • Current methods to maintain the balance of open water (plus summer draw-down) and emergent vegetation (e.g. rotational Typha clearance) appear to be highly effective and should continue.
  • Regeneration scrub should be cut around each pond as required to maintain a balance between providing shelter and flowers/fruits, and preventing excessive shade. A ‘little and often’ maintenance approach to cutting is much better than intensive clearances undertaken only once habitats have become so deteriorated that they require restoration.
  • All efforts to maintain a culture of no dogs allowed within the southern pond should be maintained.

Benefits of Late Meadow Cutting

Keeping areas of grass as meadows and cutting them late in the season is beneficial for several ecological, environmental, and aesthetic reasons:

Biodiversity Support

  • Wildlife Habitat: Meadows provide a rich habitat for a wide variety of plants, insects (like bees and butterflies), birds, and small mammals. Many of these species rely on longer grasses, wildflowers, and other meadow plants for food and shelter. Cutting late in the season allows them to complete their life cycles—such as breeding, nesting, and pollinating—without disruption.
  • Native Plants Flourish: By allowing the grass to grow and mature, native wildflowers and grasses can establish themselves. This supports a healthier, more resilient ecosystem by promoting plant diversity.

Pollinator Benefits

  • Food Sources for Pollinators: Meadows often have a high diversity of wildflowers that are vital food sources for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and other insects. Cutting late in the season allows these flowers to bloom and provide nectar and pollen for pollinators throughout the summer.
  • Seed Dispersal: Allowing plants to mature means they can complete their natural reproductive cycles, producing seeds that contribute to the regeneration of the meadow and serve as a food source for birds and other wildlife.

Soil Health and Carbon Sequestration

  • Enhanced Soil Quality: Meadow plants typically have deep root systems that help improve soil structure, enhance water infiltration, and reduce soil erosion. These plants also increase soil organic matter, improving fertility over time.
  • Carbon Sequestration: Meadows help sequester carbon, trapping it in plant biomass and the soil. This process contributes to mitigating the effects of climate change.

Reduced Maintenance and Cost

  • Less Frequent Mowing: Leaving areas of grass to grow as meadow means less frequent mowing, which reduces fuel consumption, labour, and maintenance costs for lawn equipment. It also decreases noise pollution.
  • Low-Impact Management: Meadows require less intensive management than regularly mowed lawns, leading to reduced soil compaction and less disturbance to wildlife.

Aesthetic and Educational Value

  • Natural Beauty: Meadows offer a natural, colourful landscape that changes throughout the seasons as different species of plants flower. They can add visual interest and create a sense of connection to the natural world.
  • Educational Opportunities: Keeping a meadow can teach people about local flora and fauna, ecological cycles, and the importance of conservation.

Climate Resilience

  • Drought Tolerance: Meadows are typically more drought-tolerant than traditional lawns due to the variety of deep-rooted plants. This makes them more resilient during periods of water scarcity.
  • Flood Mitigation: Meadow areas can absorb more rainwater than lawns, helping to reduce the risk of flooding and improving local water management.

By cutting meadows late in the season, you allow them to support a rich diversity of species and processes that benefit the environment, enhance sustainability, and add beauty to the landscape.