Enhanced method grassland monitoring. How to work out if your meadow project is being successful.

22Jun2018

Learn sward assessment skills at Herefordshire's Coronation Meadows with wild plant trainer Stuart Hedley and Plantlife's Joe Costley

From 10.00 for 10.30 until 5.00

At Hurstans, Sollers Hope, HR1 4RW by kind permission of Fiona and Chips Fyshe

A chance to participate in the more detailed grassland monitoring method used in Plantlife's Coronation Meadows Initiative as part of the annual / biennial monitoring surveys of the Coronation Meadows at Hurstans as they mature and develop. 

Stuart Hedley will provide training in the method on the day supported by Sue Holland and Peter Garner. Not suitable for complete beginners in wild plant ID but an excellent opportunity for dedicated improvers.

Anyone who wants to measure the effects of meadow restoration methods and / or changes in management on grassland plants (including grasses) will gain the skills to be able to undertake simple monitoring on their own meadows.  At the end of the day, or shortly afterwards we will contrast our data with that taken in the pre-treatment year before the enhancement work at Hurstans.

Anyone keen to really hone their skills can continue on June 23rd until the assessment at Hurstans is completed. We will then support Herefordshire Meadows members to work with other meadow owners in your part of Herefordshire to monitor your own meadows using this method.

Simple picnic lunch provided. Please bring

  • drinking water
  • wet weather gear / sun protection
  • kneeling pads as necessary
  • hand lens and clip board if available - we will have some basic hand lenses for sale or to borrow. 
  • Please tell us your current skill level 
    • can ID some plants in flower

    • can ID most plants in flower

    • can ID leaves without flowers

Booking essential - Please book through Herefordshire Rural Hub

Email: bookings@herefordshireruralhub.co.uk   or telephone 01432 353465

for more information contact Caroline Hanks: Tel 07779 080940 / 01981 251016

caroline.hanks@farming4wildlife.co.uk