Three time-honored methods are revitalizing nature in Kent.
Scotney Castle, located near Lamberhurst, is owned by the National Trust and has introduced the use of horses for mowing purposes as part of an effort to cultivate wildflower meadows on the property.
The Oakwood Clydesdale horses, specifically Percy and Frank, are utilized as they incur less harm to the soil and wildlife when clearing vegetation compared to contemporary machinery, according to the trust.
They also tend to have a smaller environmental impact than heavy machinery as they do not require fossil fuels, it adds.
‘Amazing to see’
After a small mowing test with horses last year, Scotney Castle ranger Richard Newman reported that wildflowers returned faster than they did when tractors were used.
It was amazing to see,” he said, “we observed that the meadow had entirely recovered, with more abundant wildflowers.
“We believe this is mainly because the horses leave the soil much less compacted, allowing the wildflowers to regrow speedily.”
He added: “The gentle fertilisation from horse manure is a pleasant extra advantage.”
The National Trust stated that mowing contributes to the regeneration of wildflowers. By removing vegetation such as grasses and nettles, the level of nutrients in the soil decreases, creating an environment that wildflowers find favorable.
“Flowers then attract insects and birds, which contribute to enhancing biodiversity,” the trust points out.
Mr. Newman stated that there was a lengthy history of utilizing animals on the land in the High Weald area where Scotney Castle is situated.
He stated that historically, farmers employed oxen to navigate the deep valleys, small fields, and numerous streams and rivers in the region.
Unfortunately, these older traditions are disappearing, but it’s worth attempting to reintroduce them.
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