We have cut the species-rich meadows, rowed up the hay and baled it. This year, we wrapped some silage bales for winter food for the Trust's small herd of British White cattle. As usual, we have left at least 10% of each meadow uncut, as shown in the photos taken in Lower Ox Eye Meadow today. It was such a pleasure to sit in the meadow this afternoon with the camera, lingering a while to listen to the bees and grasshoppers, watching different species of butterflies enjoying the nectar.
The uncut areas continue to provide a food source for invertebrates, a shelter for eggs and pupa to overwinter and they provide cover for small mammals, amphibians and reptiles. These areas are rotated each year to prevent encroachment of scrub or invasive species.