Update on Pollinator Meadows

Park Users will have noticed works taking place on meadow lands across the county this week.  This work is an essential part of the Councils actions to improve habitats for pollinators.  All wildflower meadows need management. This usually involves cutting the meadows once a year and removing all the cuttings.  Cutting and removing the grass reduces the nutrient levels in the soil, thus encouraging wildflowers to naturally colonise the areas. As this work requires specialist equipment it is carried out by agricultural contractors on behalf of the Council.

Generally, these works takes place in the Autumn but due to poor ground conditions in many locations at that time it was not possible to proceed with the works.  This had meant that the flowers were all able to set seed, but the grass remained uncut.  Following expert advice it was decided to cut and remove the grass as soon as ground conditions had improved in Spring but not before the first flush of dandelions had flowered, as these are vitally important to bees.

Not cutting the grass would have added to the fertility of the soil and encouraged grasses to grow which out-compete the wildflowers in the seed bank.   SDCC as signatories to the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan and are committed to creating and managing sustainable natural meadows across the County.