Flower Rich Hay Meadows Flourish In Fermanagh

Many of our wildlife habitats depend on the way in which the land is farmed and have flourished because of past farming activities.

Few habitats illustrate this as clearly as traditionally managed species-rich hay meadows.

Traditionally managed hay meadows are a rich asset to our wildlife, culture and landscape. In summer these are colourful refuges for some of our rarest plants. On drier sites swathes of ox-eye daisy, common knapweed, meadow clover and pignut are characteristic, whilst on the wetter sites an abundance of meadow sweet, marsh marigold and ragged robin can be found. The diversity of plants has developed over a considerable length of time with many species coexisting in one space.

Under Northern Ireland’s agri-environment schemes (Environmentally Sensitive Areas Scheme and Countryside Management Scheme) some 650ha of species-rich hay meadows are positively managed in Fermanagh, largely concentrated in the north west of the County. The schemes aim to maintain and enhance the conservation value of species-rich grassland cut for hay and ensure the survival of a traditional farming practice through defined cutting regimes, aftermath grazing and restricted fertiliser and pesticide use.

Suckler and beef farmer, Patrick Higgins, farms near Magheraveely in South Fermanagh. As a participant of the Countryside Management Scheme, Patrick has continued the traditional management of his species-rich meadow which has been managed by his family for several generations. The meadow is a wealth of species including marsh forget-me-not, hawkbit, meadow sweet, plantain, ragged robin and yellow rattle.

A management plan is undertaken by the farmers to provide protection for this habitat. This includes deferring the cutting date to set seed by not cutting until after 1 July and tedding the drying sward at least twice to return seed to the ground. In the occurrence of adverse weather conditions, farmers must seek permission to bale and wrap a hay meadow sward. The grazing the aftermath is important to prevent grasses becoming too lush, and grazing must not occur between 1 November and 31 March.

For further information on species-rich hay meadow management, please contact your local Countryside Management Branch, DARD. Additional information is also available at  www.ruralni.gov.uk/2.4  (PDF 115 KB)

Flower rich hay meadows flourish in Fermanagh