Just to be clear, I'm trying to establish a traditional hay meadow. This type of habitat is one that since the Second World War has declined significantly in the UK.


- It requires fairly impoverished soil
- It looks quite scruffy during establishment before any perennials take hold
- The keystone species is yellow rattle (Rhinanthus minor) which to establish has proved difficult to establish from seed.


I tried to get plug plants but they were out of stock everywhere!


These would be my conclusions from what I've done so far:


- Don't clear all of the grass. The rattle needs it to survive.
- Sow in Autumn so that it has all winter to get cold shocked and germinate.


Some other useful tips are:


- Cut the meadow and remove the trimmings. This removal helps to reduce the soil fertility. The hay was traditionally removed to be used as winter fodder for livestock. This is why it mimics that ecosystem.


Please contact me and let me know if I can help!

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