On Sunday 8 September we visited a new site for us: Happy Valley in Bramhall, part of Ladybrook Valley. We joined the Friends of Ladybrook Valley in their ongoing work to improve and restore a meadow. Our main activity was to rake off the grass, which had been cut a week or two previously; this will help to reduce nutrient levels in the ground, providing a better habitat for a range of wildflowers. In some areas we cleared patches of ground and sowed yellow-rattle seed. As a semi-parasite on grasses, yellow-rattle allows gives other traditional meadow species a chance to establish themselves.
Despite a poor weather forecast, the day remained dry for us. Thanks to the Friends for a warm welcome (and biscuits!).
Update, June 2025: The FoLV have confirmed that there is now yellow-rattle in the meadow!
SMCV 