Arlesey Platinum Jubilee Scarecrows Page 6,7 News from Acorn

News from Acorn

ACORN Enjoying the Glebe Meadows Part 3

For a cow to enjoy a meadow it needs good grass. Where the land is used for grazing and to increase productivity nitrate fertilisers are spread to increase the grass growth to enable bigger herds. This is a big downer if you want plenty of wild flowers. Fortunately we are in a nitrate free zone to protect the runoff into the rivers. In laymen’s terms the lower the fertility of the soil the better the quantity of wild flowers. This is why we have a winter graze to reduce the grass which if we left would rot down and would increase the fertility of the soil. Richer soils equal more ruderal vegetation (big nasty weeds).

For a toddler to enjoy a meadow all they need long grass to run through and roll in (mind where they roll). Dogs do much the same – more about this later. For most of us a meadow full of wild flowers to walk through on a summer day gives the greatest pleasure. With the latter in mind we manage the meadows in the traditional (old) way. The Government Stewardship grant lays it out in some detail and gives marker species that are looked for to see if the meadows are being managed correctly. There is an Entry Level Stewardship (ELS), Organic ELS, Uplands ELS or Higher Level Stewardship agreement.

This is why ACORN decided to get the Wildlife Trust BCN on board as a partner as they understand and manage this aspect for us. The Trust does receive a small grant from Natural England to manage this but does not in reality cover all the cost. This is shortly running out and we are waiting to see what the government brings in to replace it and also for the loss of the EU Grants to farming in general. However, Arlesey Town Council does generously help with the management costs for which we are grateful. This gives a green space for the residents to enjoy and for free.

In the early days of owning the meadows the late John Rogers, who was the first volunteer warden, photographed as many of the wild plants that he could. A recorder for the Bedfordshire Flora group also undertook a comprehensive survey of the wild plants. Although the first meadow next to the entrance had been land-filled to raise the level because of severe flooding the recorded flora was surprisingly rich in species. The second meadow which is still at the original lower level and remained untouched receives the higher level stewardship payment.

Besides the flora the meadows also supports a variety of fauna. Muntjacs frequent the meadows but with the increased footfall especially with dog walkers then your chance to spot any are fairly remote. Most wild animals have an acute sense of smell and once they sense a predator they are off. The river supports otters and also a grass snake was spotted on one occasion. Mink have moved in from time to time. Unusually there are common lizards around the meadows. They have been spotted basking on logs, but are sensitive to vibrations so careful footsteps will help you to spot them. Summer brings out the butterflies but it takes a dry day with little wind to do so. If the butterflies are out you can be sure of a fine day.

One of the biggest problems ACORN face with the meadows is a conflict of interests of some visitors. Anglers who illicitly fish there (it is a nature reserve). Dog walkers who refuse to keep their pets on a (short) lead. Cyclists who are very abusive to the volunteers working there telling them to get out of the way in no uncertain terms. The Hicca Way (permissive) path is a footpath only and no off road cycling is permitted. We would like to point out, and for visitors to remember, that the meadows were purchased by ACORN purely for the enjoyment and protection of Nature. This is your Nature Reserve, enjoy it, and help us keep it that way.