Wild flower margins can provide nest sites for ground-nesting birds
Wild flower margins can boost numbers of beneficial insects and spiders
on arable farmland
Wild flower margins can provide a habitat for small mammals
Wild flower margins give rare native wild plants a home
What to consider
Create wild flower strips within a six-metre margin in a sunny area.
Well-used farm tracks and footpaths are good sites as these areas are
disturbed often, making them unsuitable for the tussocky margins that
suit nesting birds.
The best time to establish grass margins is in autumn, during August and
September. If sowing in spring, you will need to use a higher seed rate.
Use a mix of fine grasses, such as fescues and bents. Wild flower seed
should comprise between 5-20 per cent of the mix by weight and include
native plants such as yarrow, knapweed and ox-eye daisy. Where possible,
use a local seed source.
Ideally avoid grazing the margins from March to August.
Drill the grass seed and broadcast the wild flower seed before rolling.
Cut annually in the autumn.
Are you interested in creating a wild flower margin on your
farmland?
