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WILD FLORA MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES 2012

MIXTURE SELECTION It is important that the correct mixture is selected to coincide with the soil type and drainage characteristics of each site. SITE PREPARATION The aim is to produce a firm, weed-free tilth to promote healthy germination. Subsoils often provide weed-free areas with a low nutrient status and are therefore suitable for wild flora planting. It is occasionally necessary to remove the topsoil in areas of high fertility (this can be sold to raise revenue) as these soils tend to promote the growth of more vigorous grasses and pernicious weeds.To remove docks, thistles, nettles and weed grasses, the site should be treated with a systemic herbicide (following the manufacturer’s instructions) prior to seed bed cultivation. SUMMARY a. Cultivate site and allow to remain fallow, if practical b. Treat with herbicide or SOWING Sowing can take place throughout most of the year, providing a good tilth can be prepared. However, the months of March/April and August/September are generally the most suitable. a. Mix seed – regularly mix to ensure even species distribution b. Drill/broadcast – calibrate sowing device c. Rate – 5 g/m 2 mixtures with grass or 0.5 – 1.0 g/m 2 pure wild flower mixtures d. Sand – bulk up small seeding rates with 4 parts silica sand to one part seed by weight e. Raking/harrowing – mix seed into soil (depth approx 0.5cm) f. Ring roller – use Cambridge roller to firm seed bed WILD FLOWER FIRST YEAR MAINTENANCE The requirement in the first year is to control weeds and reduce competition from grasses. Cut the sward to a height of 5cm every two months or when the sward reaches 15cm. Remove all cut material to avoid smothering the sward. Where persistent weeds are a problem, spot treat with herbicide or dig-out. FUTURE MAINTENANCE The sward should be well established after the first 12 months and contain a diverse range of species. Cut to 7.5cm during March/April and remove cuttings. The second cut should take place at the end of the flowering season during August/September (the flowering period may alter slightly according to climatic conditions). Remove all cuttings or use as hay. The site may require further cuts in the autumn period to remove untidy growth in an extended growing season. MAINTENANCE SUMMARY FIRST YEAR First cut 5cm March/April (spring seeding 1 st cut in May) Cut every 2 months or when sward reaches 15cm Final cut September/October Remove all cuttings FUTURE YEARS First cut 7.5cm March/April (if necessary) Second cut 7.5cm August/October Remove all cuttings CORNFIELD ANNUALS Make the first cut in early March and a second cut once the flowering period is over – September/October. Harrow autumn or spring to regenerate annuals. c. Remove topsoil d. Cultivate to 10cm e. Create a surface tilth

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