Glades, rides or other open spaces in woodland which are light enough to support the growth of grasses and flowering plants are valuable for wildlife and amenity. Wood-pastures and park-like landscapes have a long history in Britain, and are some of our most valuable sites ecologically, as well as being very popular for recreation. However, open spaces do not look after themselves, but must be mown or grazed if they are going to retain their unwooded character. Grazing by wild animals does not fulfil this need, as sufficient numbers to maintain grassy areas will have a damaging effect on the wooded areas. Domestic livestock can be used, once the trees have reached sufficient size to withstand damage, and provided that protection is given to regeneration or further planting.
In a young woodland, open spaces should be maintained by mowing. Mowings should be removed, to avoid enriching the site, and to encourage the growth of the less aggressive species of flowering plants, which are generally of higher wildlife value.
Areas can be sown with particular mixes of grasses and wildflowers to suit the soil and site, and to flower during different periods of the spring and summer. A floristically interesting sward is easier to establish on poor soils rather than fertile soils, so sites and mixtures can be chosen accordingly. Seed mixes are available from several suppliers, who can advise on suitable mixtures, sowing rates and other details. Ensure that local or British provenance seed is used. Thought must be given to the way that the conditions of light and shade will change as the trees grow. Any existing sward should be destroyed by cultivation or herbicide. Seed mixes can be sown from August to mid-September, or from early March to early May.
The mowing regime must suit the type of mixture sown. There are three regimes which may be suitable for different open areas in the woodland:
- Flowery lawns. These can survive with close frequent mowing and trampling, and include rosette plants which are adapted to withstand trampling. Typical plants include daisy, plantain, cat’s ear, speedwell, self-heal, white clover and bird’s foot trefoil. Mow regularly through the growing season, except for a few weeks from early May to mid June. This will allow the plants to flower and set seed.
- Early flowering mixtures. These are left to grow in spring and early summer, and then cut as for a hay crop, so are suitable for glades which are not regularly trampled, or for broad sunny strips alongside paths or tracks. Typical plants include cowslip, bugle, meadow buttercup, lady’s bedstraw, wild carrot, ox-eye daisy and ragged robin. In the first year after sowing, the sward must be cut about every six weeks, to prevent the grass from overgrowing the other species. Remove the cuttings. In following years, make the first cut in late May, and another cut in September.
- Late-flowering mixtures. These flower from mid summer, and may include scabious, knapweed, harebell, vetch and sorrel. The new sward should be mown regularly in the first year. In the following year, mow regularly in early summer, but then leave it to grow and flower from June until mid-September. Mow once in the autumn. Remove all the cuttings.
