Whilst, conservation grazing on Wolstonbury Hill, (south of Hurstpierpoint in West Sussex), is almost continuous as it is good for yellow meadow ants and chalk downland plants. On Wolstonbury Hill there might be 100,000 ant hills.
Steers on Saturday 21 March 26 eating both coarse and finer grasses.
Cattle have largely cleared Tor-grass, (Brachypodium pinnatum), often highlighted by conservation groups like Plantlife in relation to roadside verges. It is a coarse, perennial grass that can become dominant and threaten biodiversity in calcareous grasslands. It thrives in low-grazing conditions, forming dense thatch that stifles wildflowers.
Ten miles to the north in the High Weald, sandstone and clay strata support very different plants in my wildlife garden.
From March, a hundred or more snake's-head fritillaries are in flower plus numerous Cowslips, Primroses, violets and more.
That means that, apart from pathways in the lawn, I'll not be mowing until Autumn/winter. Four species of native orchids have grown in former years but last year's drought may have killed some of them.
Four species of ants thrive including a big, decades old yellow meadow ant hill.
Such a diversity of plants support very many insect species: a joy to observe.
It was a work party day today (see www.wolstonbury.com) and despite a grim weather forecast five attended. Still recovering from illness my contribution was limited to a greeting.
The scrub on the steep northern slope was being cleared with loppers and saws and burnt.
On the wooded north-facing slopes Heart tongued ferns were spectacular.
Previously, National Trust ranger Mike Botterill had used a brush cutter to remove dense scrub where it was too dangerous to drive a mower.
Lichens are an indicator of good air quality.
Hazel catkins have been out for weeks.
Above the National Trust had months earlier, mown areas here.
This beech tree has not blown over. It was snapped off in a gale a couple of years ago.
Heterophilous ivy refers to the phenomenon in Hedera species (common ivy, H. helix) where the plant exhibits two distinct, markedly different growth forms and leaf shapes in its juvenile and mature phases. This info' from Google AI.
Growth Phases and Characteristics
Juvenile Phase: This phase is characterized by trailing or climbing stems that use adventitious roots to attach to structures like trees or walls. The leaves in this phase are typically small, leathery, and deeply 3- to 5-lobed.
Mature/Adult Phase: When the plant is well-established (usually after 10 years), it transitions to the adult phase. The stems become woody, lose their climbing roots, and become self-supporting. The leaves in this phase are unlobed, generally diamond-shaped or ovate.
Flowering and Ecological Importance
Flowers and Berries: The mature, non-climbing shoots produce yellow-green, spherical clusters of flowers, usually from September to November. These produce berries, which are an important winter food source for birds.
Ecological Value: Ivy is a crucial, non-parasitic plant that provides vital nectar, pollen, and berries for insects and birds during autumn and winter.
Wild garlic will carpet this area later with a mass of white flowers.
