The grasslands from the station platform looking south are coming into full bloom, aided by the favourable weather of late, bringing that wanted mix of sunshine and rain.
Continue reading “Ashlawn Meadows come alive!”Hedge Laying Review @ Ashlawn
For the last two winter seasons, new hedge lines have been created and/or restored in two sections of the cutting by dedicated volunteers:
- Blossom Way Entrance to Little Farm
- From Onley Land end, on western boundary
Ashlawn in Bloom – May 2020
The earlier spring flowering plants are still mostly in full bloom. A few examples are in the pictures.
Continue reading “Ashlawn in Bloom – May 2020”A Very Welcome First Sighting at Ashlawn
I have copied Steve Wright’s email directly into this post. All can read his excitement!
Continue reading “A Very Welcome First Sighting at Ashlawn”Spring progresses in Ashlawn Cutting
Plant growth is really accelerating in the cutting, with the benefit of recent rains and warmer weather. The grasslands will soon be bursting wit insect life as this season’s wild flowers come into bloom.
Continue reading “Spring progresses in Ashlawn Cutting”February 2020 Update
In the last few weeks, we have been able to focus on scrub and tree management in the reserve. We have cut back the scrub that borders the grassland opposite the zigzag path at Ashlawn Bridge. The subsequent regrowth that we get will give a more layered approach between the grass and the tree line. This new regrowth will be denser, providing a much better environment for small birds. The bare earth beyond the upper line of the grass in the picture shows some of the area that has been cleared.
Continue reading “February 2020 Update”Seasonal work continues…….
We have been cutting and raking off the grasslands and verges for the last two months and we still have several weeks until the task is completed for this season. This work is essential to provide the right conditions to support the native grasses and wildflowers that grow throughout the reserve. This is the foundation for the varied invertebrate life that in turn supports the birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians that live here.
Continue reading “Seasonal work continues…….”Bird Surveying
There has been some opening up of small rides within the scrub, to provide an opportunity for bird surveying. The birds are caught in a fine net, then assessed, ringed and released. This is all done by experts, who are working alongside our conservation volunteers. Over time, this will gives us a much more precise account of what species we have (and don’t have!). We can direct some of our land management efforts into improving the prospects for birds within the reserve.
Continue reading “Bird Surveying”Grassland Cutting Season
We are now fully into the season for maintaining the grasslands within the cutting. This involves cutting the growth down low with a brushcuuter, following by raking off the cut material. This keeps the nutrient levels as low as possible, providing the most suitable conditions for the wildflower growth next season.
Continue reading “Grassland Cutting Season”A Walk Through Ashlawn Cutting
This video takes you through the entire length of the Ashlawn Cutting Reserve. You will see examples of the natural delights to be found and some of the volunteers who actively maintain and enhance the site.
Credit goes to Ken Monk, one of our dedicated volunteers, for producing this presentation.