Meadows
We are fortunate to have lots of great places for activities, such as walking the dog, having a picnic or playing sports in Bracknell Forest. In this leaflet, we look at meadows, which are the most attractive and ecologically rich type of grasslands.
Attracting pollinators
Have you visited Frost Folly in Warfield and Peacock Meadows north in Binfield? These spaces change with the seasons but are at their best during the spring and summer months, when in bloom.
Wildflowers like ragged-robin and devil’s-bit scabious add a splash of colour and attract bees and butterflies. These insects help with pollination, which is essential in producing the next generation of plants.
Under threat
According to environmental charity Plantlife, over 97% of wildflower meadows in the UK have been lost since the 1930s. It is important that we act now to help preserve and enhance our local meadows for the benefit of people and wildlife.
Action we are taking
We cut the grass once a year, during the late summer, and remove the clippings. This encourages wildflowers to grow and provides food and shelter for wildlife when the vegetation is left to grow longer.
We leave a quarter of our meadows uncut each year to provide overwintering habitat for wildlife and early nesting opportunities for birds in the spring.
At some of our sites we use livestock, such as cattle and sheep, to graze our meadows. This conservation grazing is also effective in boosting biodiversity.
A greener future
We are establishing many new meadow areas by seeding the grassland and managing them as described above. This will boost biodiversity and give residents the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of our natural environment, for now and future generations.
Permanent grassland also helps to capture carbon dioxide and store it in the plants and undisturbed soil.
It is important we tackle climate change, which is one of the single biggest challenges our society faces.
Image: Meadow flower, bird’s-foot trefoil
More information
Find out how we are managing Bracknell Forest roadside nature reserves, meadows and verges.
Other habitat guides are also available from the wildlife and biodiversity page.
If you have any questions about the work taking place, contact us using our online form.