Last week the BVCP Rangers enlisted the help of the Robomower. This time at Blackwater Meadows to reduce the amount of bramble and other scrub taking over the SSSI meadows.
Robomower about to tackle the scrub
The meadows are designated SSSI because they support rich plant communities, with a number of species associated with ancient grassland sites. Such meadows are a nationally rare and threatened habitat. Due to their rarity the land is part of a Higher Level Stewardship scheme which means Natural England help fund the conservation focused management of the land. In accordance with the scheme and to maintain the high value of the meadows we periodically push back the scrub boundary.
The same area after the scrub had been removed. There’s the meadow!
On Tuesday 20th March we will be back with the help of the BVC Volunteers to finish it all off. We will be opening up some of the south facing ditch line, cutting back bramble and much more. If you would like to join us please meet at the Shepherd Meadows car park at 10:15am.
For all tasks:
- If you’re under 16 years you will need to cajole an adult along. Between 16-18yrs you will need to bring an adult to the first meeting, then whether you can come to subsequent tasks is up to the task leaders.
- All tools and training are provided. Please bring suitable old clothes, waterproofs, boots if you have them and grub.
- All the groups are friendly affairs, so if you have any questions please ask. The tasks usually run till around 3pm. Any help is very welcome and you’re more than welcome to come at the start for the safety talk, then just do a morning if you prefer.
Acting Ranger Jenny
