Pastures new ... and old

Ten practical learning activities focused on understanding grasslands

1. Conduct a Grassland Status Survey

   • Principle Applied: Distinguishing between ecologically valuable grassland (semi-natural/unimproved) and less diverse areas (amenity grass or agriculturally improved sites).

   • Activity: Visit a local park or green space that has both regularly mown areas and areas left long (like The Byes, distinguishing between the mown lawn and areas like Margaret’s Meadow or Gilchrist Field). Document the differences in height, uniformity, and species presence. Note which areas are managed purely for amenity versus those managed as "rough meadow" for conservation.

2. Perform a Floral Diversity Quadrat Count

   • Principle Applied: Using species diversity and composition as a key indicator of site age and lack of recent heavy fertilisation (unimproved grasslands have higher diversity).

   • Activity: Use a 1 square metre frame (a quadrat) to count the number of different flowering plant species (forbs and herbs) within a defined area. Compare the count in a seemingly "improved" site (lush, uniform) with a known species-rich site (like The Knapp). Note the presence of competitive species like perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) or white clover (Trifolium repens); if they cover more than 50%, the site is likely improved.

3. Map Scrub Encroachment and Succession

   • Principle Applied: Understanding that grasslands are dynamic habitats (plagioclimax communities) that require disturbance (grazing/mowing) to prevent natural succession to scrub and eventual woodland, typically within 50 years.

   • Activity: Locate an unmanaged grassland edge (which is often bordered by scrub or hedgerow, as is common in Sidmouth grassland sites). Map or photograph where woody species like blackthorn, gorse, or brambles are invading the open grassland, illustrating the management challenge described in the sources.

4. Observe Grazing Management

   • Principle Applied: Recognising that appropriate management of livestock and wild herbivores is crucial for maintaining diversity and structure in semi-natural grasslands.

   • Activity: Visit a site where grazing is currently practised (e.g., Peak Hill or Peasland Knapp, which uses sheep grazing in winter). Observe the impact of the animals on the vegetation height and structure. This demonstrates how grazing helps prevent competitive species and scrub from dominating.

5. Conduct a Waxcap Fungi Search (Seasonal)

   • Principle Applied: Identifying indicator species (Waxcap fungi) that signify old grassland that has a continuous history of grazing but has, crucially, never been ploughed or treated with heavy fertilisers.

   • Activity: During late autumn or winter, visit sites noted for their fungi populations, such as Peak Hill or Soldier's Hill. Document the presence of different Waxcap species. Their presence is a powerful indicator that the fungal network has not been destroyed by cultivation.

6. Analyze Local Soil Influence

   • Principle Applied: Understanding that soil pH (acidity/alkalinity) dictates which plant communities thrive (Acid, Neutral, or Calcareous grasslands).

   • Activity: If possible, visit two sites located on different geological layers mentioned in the sources, such as Lincombe (calcareous/chalk) and Peak Hill (acidic/Upper Greensand). Look for specific plant families or communities described in the sources (e.g., Cowslip or Kidney Vetch for calcareous sites). Even if specific species are difficult to identify, noting the overall character of the flora can reinforce how soil chemistry affects biodiversity.

7. Participate in a Restoration Technique

   • Principle Applied: Engaging in methods that mimic historical management, such as removing scrub (tree cutting and shrub removal) or planting native species, to recover degraded semi-natural habitat.

   • Activity: Join a volunteer group (like the Sid Vale Association at The Knapp or Gilchrist Field) and assist with restoration efforts, which might include relaying footpaths, dredging a pond, or planting trees/hedgerows. The removal of invasive brambles prior to planting is a specific task mentioned in the sources.

8. Monitor Regeneration on Disturbed Land

   • Principle Applied: Observing how land recovers from recent disturbance or 'improvement' and the influence of past cultivation practices ('weeds of cultivation').

   • Activity: Visit a site currently classified as "Recovering" (such as Alma Field, The Knowle, or Combe Wood Farm). Note the presence of 'weeds of cultivation' or introduced species. Track the progress of active restoration, such as areas recently sown with wildflower seeds, to see how management is returning strong herbal communities.

9. Time a Visit to Observe Pollinator Function

   • Principle Applied: Recognising the vital importance of wildflower-rich grasslands for supporting pollinators (bees, butterflies, etc.), noting that the loss of meadow habitat has had a catastrophic impact on these insects.

   • Activity: Visit a species-rich meadow during peak flowering season (high summer). Spend time observing the variety and number of insects attracted to the flowers (such as the "great crowds" of Ox-Eye Daisies at Alma Field). This activity connects floral diversity directly to ecosystem services.

10. Shadow a Management Regime (Cut and Clear)

    • Principle Applied: Understanding that traditional meadow management involves cutting the grass late in the season and removing the material (hay/herbage) to prevent nutrient enrichment, which is essential for maximising floral diversity.

    • Activity: Observe or investigate the timing of management cuts on a designated meadow site (such as Delderfield or Sid Meadow, which are treated as hay meadows). Understand the rationale for the cut-and-clear regime used at sites like Alma Field and Soldier's Hill, contrasting this with simple mowing where cuttings are left to rot.