Knapweed

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 For most of the traditional haymeadows around here this is the last week to be able to see them in their glory. The farms are still working under the old European Union Common Agricultural Policy rules. Under these rules farmers can attract a "Stewardship" grant if they maintain traditional hay meadows, and one of the rules is that they cannot cut the meadows before 15th July. The consequence of this is that on the first dry spell after 15th July all the meadow are cut.  As we are not claiming farmers supplements we can cut our field when we like and it is beneficial to wait a little to allow the later flowering plants to set seed. (Data not dates!). A flower that is yet to set seed is knapweed. Knapweed is a member of the daisy family (but looks a bit thistley to me!) and is indigenous to Europe. Farmers don't like it (because livestock are not keen to eat it) but is is one of th best producers of both pollen and nectar that there is and it is an important plant for insects, and the seed heads are an important source of food for some birds.


England is yet to announce a scheme to replace the European scheme but we are assured that the premise will be "public money if you do a public good" so we will see what happens.

Diary
Nothing on the camera traps apart from some escaped sheep. I saw a stoat in the garden and disturbed a tawny owl during the day that was roosting on the roof of one of our outhouses. Black caps in the copse by the stream. Oh and a hedgehog in the car parking area when I took the dog out last thing.


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