Rattle ..

Day 341 #365DaysWild

Hay rattle ..

The orchard and the meadow are now growing gold with hay rattle.

It is an important part of the meadow ecology in that it parasitises and weakens grasses, allowing less vigorous flowering plant species to become successful.

As the grass weakens, we give a helping hand to the floral biodiversity by seeding and plug planting native wild flowers.

It is fascinating to watch the move from derelict, nettle & bramble choked woodland to meadow..

In 2022:

1. Red clover
2. Black medic
3. Oxeye daisy
4. Yellow rattle
5. Red campion
6. Sorrel
7. Ragged Robin 
8. Daisy
9. Meadow buttercup
10. Trefoil??
11. Cranesbill
12. Common vetch
13. Smaller cranesbill
14. Hedgerow cranesbill
15. Ribwort plantain 
16. Creeping buttercup
17. Forget-me-not
18. Hawkweed
19. Fox & cubs
20. Common speedwell
21. Dandelion
22. Spotted orchid
23. Salad burnet
24. White clover
25. Corn camomile 
26. Common mouse ear 

Cowslips have thrived this spring and we’re hopeful that there’ll be lots of self-sown seedlings to follow.

Linda had scattered snakeshead fritillery seed with some success.

Seeds sown , awaiting germination

In 2024 we hope to add more birds’ foot trefoil, field scabious and dainty little harebells.

In doing so, we expect to boost invertebrate numbers..