Ughill Farm - Over-sowing modified grassland pilot (1)

Works to be completed: - Over-sow fields with a short-lived ryegrass hybrid to suppress injurious weeds and remaining agricultural plants. - Enrol fields in the Environmental Land Management scheme as ‘winter bird’ habitat. - Manage the grassland over a three-year period, allowing natural processes to take effect. - Harvest green hay from on-site wildflower meadows and acid pastures to inoculate the modified fields with native species. Overarching aims of the works: - Restore the fields to a combination of acid grassland pasture and species-rich hay meadow. - Reduce reliance on chemical treatments by using a natural, staged restoration process. - Improve biodiversity and create a more resilient habitat for wildlife. - Develop and trial a novel grassland restoration technique that can be shared with other landowners. Value to the community and/or environment: - Enhances local biodiversity by creating high-quality habitat for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. - Supports wintering bird populations by allowing ryegrass to seed over winter. - Demonstrates a sustainable land restoration method that can be replicated elsewhere. - Contributes to a healthier environment by reducing chemical inputs and improving soil health.