Grazing
If you have a pet pony or have access to cows, goats or sheep, you could graze your meadow. The best time to graze is usually in the early spring and late autumn, as with cutting. But - always get advice about timing.
If your meadow is invaded by 'weeds' such as docks and thistles, then animals can be kept on over the summer to knock them back. However this is harmful to insects and should only be done every few years.
The effects of grazing are complex. There are a number of things to consider.
- Cattle, goats and other bigger animals are more likely to erode the soil than smaller ones such as sheep.
- Sheep, goats and other smaller animals need better fencing to keep them in.
- The more animals there are in a field, the less choosy they are about what they eat. So large numbers can control brambles and vigorous grasses. But beware - they can cause erosion.
- Animal dung can change the plants growing in a meadow. Dung patches may become colonised by unwanted nettles and thistles.
- Animals will need to be properly cared for and need plenty of water.
Seek professional advice about the number and type of grazing animals to use.
