Bath Spa University College

http://www.bathspa.ac.uk/bathspa.asp

Staff and students from Bath Spa University College are undertaking research into establishing species-rich grassland on the clay capping the landfill.

The blue lias clay provides a pretty hostile substrate for seed germination and seedling establishment. However it is relatively low in nutrients and so will favour the development of a species-rich sward. The clay substrate is to be ameliorated in a number of ways and the effects on plant community development monitored. The seed source for this research is hay taken from a local species-rich grassland and so will promote the conservation of local genetic diversity.

For further information, please contact d.watson@bathspa.ac.uk

M.Phil Research

Bath Spa University College is supervising an MPhil into the introduction of native plant species to newly created species-rich grassland. The experimental plot was created using the hay-strewing method, and as the hay only contains seeds of species ripe at the time of hay cut there is potential to introduce species that were missed, many of which form an essential part of the grassland community. Two species of relatively high conservation value were chosen to research introduction techniques: Lady's bedstraw, a food plant for a wide range of butterflies and moths, and Dyer's greenweed, a Somerset notable species with historical and educational interest. Using local resources in a cost-effective way is part of the general philosophy behind the project - materials include hay from nearby Babcary Meadows SSSI, additional seed collected from Carymoor, and compost made at the landfill site.

For further information, please contact Elaine Sage

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© Carymoor Environmental Trust Updated May 2002