Hay rake at Hendre Lake Sat 20th July 2024 10:00am–12:00pm

We had a great 'green gym' workout this morning at our beloved Hendre Lake. 9 strong volunteers joined the park ranger for a hay rake of our meadow areas and we finished before the rain started. We created 2 large piles with the hay creating an ideal habitat for grass snakes.

It was hard work but very important work to do as it will help to encourage wildflower growth as by removing the hay/cut grass, it stops it from rotting into the ground and enriching the soil. Wildflowers tend to thrive in poor soils. It will encourage the perennial flowers to grow strong roots too and help keep grasses at bay, and so in time, will improve wildflower biodiversity that meadows are known for, providing a variety of food for so many pollinators.

There's lots of clover, knapweed, ragwort, tufted vetch, thistles and birds foot trefoil about, providing plenty of food for all the busy bees and butterflies, which is great to see