The Ecological Barometers of Grange Farm: Unveiling Our Indicator Species
In this article, we use the visit from the Monmouthshire Meadow Group as an opportunity to explore our 'indicator species', plus the role that traditional hay meadows can play in the global challenges of the climate crisis and biodiversity loss.
Armed with a wealth of plant wisdom and a penchant for Latin terminology, Steph and Elsie from the Monmouthshire Meadow Group graced Grange Farm with their expertise back in June. Even though our grass had recently been cut (under a pre-existing arrangement), we were still able to explore some of the biodiversity at the fringes of our fields. We're eagerly looking forward to their return next year, when we hope to conduct a more extensive survey, helping us decide what proportion of our land we should manage as traditional hay meadows.
Review the full report here.
The Importance of Biodiversity in Our Fields (The “So-What”)
Before we get stuck into the details, it’s helpful to take a step back and consider – why is it important to monitor the diversity within our fields? Why do we even want a traditional hay meadow?
“Insects are unsung heroes, playing a pivotal role in pollination, food production, waste decomposition, and supporting biodiversity. They're essential for our food security and maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Their decline could have serious consequences, highlighting the importance of safeguarding their habitats.”
Traditional hay meadows, characterised by their diverse range of wildflowers, herbs and grasses, are invaluable for biodiversity. Their rich and varied vegetation provides a myriad of habitats and food sources for wildlife, including pollinators like bees and butterflies, small mammals, and ground-nesting birds. Managed without artificial fertilisers and typically cut only once a year, these meadows allow plants to fully flower and seed, supporting plant diversity and maintaining local genetic variations. Furthermore, the deep-rooted meadow plants promote soil health, contributing to carbon storage and bolstering resilience against climate change.
Unearthing the Significance of Indicator Species
In this blog post, we've chosen to delve into the world of 'indicator species' - those subtle signposts of nature that speak volumes about our field's health and diversity. Essentially, the more you have, the closer you are to a traditional hay meadow.
So before we begin, what exactly is an indicator species? Essentially, an indicator species is akin to nature’s barometer. Its presence, absence, or even abundance can reveal valuable insights about the health and condition of its ecosystem, whether it's soil quality, water cleanliness, or climate changes. Monitoring these species assists us in managing our landscapes e.g., what parts of the land should we manage as a meadow.
Revealing the Biodiversity of Grange Farm: Our Findings
Steph and Elsie’s exploration led to the identification of a number of indicator species – 7 distinct types in our dry grasslands and a further 10 within our marshy grasslands. We hope this is a promising start, providing some evidence of the biodiversity supported by our landscape.
Beginning with some of our dry grassland indicators, we were pleased to observe the Common Knapweed (Centaurea nigra) and the Common Bird's-foot-trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) among others.
Common Knapweed, with its captivating thistle-like purple flowers, acts as a 'supermarket for insects', indicative of a thriving ecosystem. Its nectar-rich blossoms attract an array of bees, butterflies, and hoverflies. The equally important Common Bird's-foot-trefoil, a charming yellow flower playfully known as 'eggs and bacon', plays a crucial role in butterfly conservation. Its status as a food source for the larvae of numerous butterfly species, and a nectar provider for bees, marks it as an invaluable element of our dry grassland ecology.
Venturing into our marshy grasslands, two key indicators stood out – the Ragged Robin (Lychnis flos-cuculi) and the Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria). The sight of the vibrant pink Ragged Robin is a joyous one, as this species is a trusted nectar source for bees and a clear sign of well-managed, healthy wetlands. Meadowsweet, with its fragrant clusters of cream flowers, is another clear indicator of high-quality marshland. Its ecological contribution extends beyond beauty, marking our marshes as a refuge for various wildlife species.
Our Next Steps
The discovery of such a diverse range of indicator species suggests that Grange Farm has historically managed to avoid full application of artificial fertilisers and our fields are what are described as ‘semi-improved’ (more on this in another blog!). The next step? Incorporating the Monmouthshire Meadows Group’s recommendations moving forward. By allowing our vegetation to grow until at least mid-July before cutting for hay, and grazing off the regrowth in the late autumn or winter, we aim to further enhance our plant and invertebrate diversity using this method in particular areas across the farm.
