The DPA are proud to offer a broad variety of volunteering opportunities, with workdays happening across our land holdings on both weekdays and weekends. Our most recent conservation workday at Pudsham Meadows was on Sunday the 8th of February and we had an excellent turnout. The weather was also much kinder than it has been in previous weeks, meaning that volunteers were able to make a big impact, clearing the meadows of invasive vegetation.
Derek Collins, Work Day Co-Ordinator, said: ‘What a great turn out, 25 hardy souls answered the call and did a remarkable job removing bramble patches, Molinia tussocks and areas of scrub. All this created a much larger grazing area for the ponies and consequently more wild flower growing space. It was great to meet up with the workers of the world who we don’t normally see on weekday workdays.’
It is important to knock back Molinia, or Purple Moor Grass, and reduce the vigour of this invasive plant. Recent studies have shown that cutting back mature molinia, therefore encouraging fresh growth from May through to July, transforms this nitrogen loving grass into a palatable foodstuff for cattle, sheep and ponies. Bramble is also fast growing and can cut off areas of meadow from effective grazing if left unchecked. In addition, a dense bramble patch cuts off light from the ground below, making the understorey levels unsuitable for wildflower and herbs to flourish.
As part of the workday, ecologist Albert Knott and DPA CEO Tom Usher visited the meadows. They spoke to our Conservation Volunteers, the hands on the ground delivering the dedicated care which Pudsham value of these rare, unimproved hay meadows, it is of vital importance that we have a robust and well researched plan in place for their care.
The image on the right above shows the ideal grazing level, which has been achieved by native Dartmoor Ponies visiting the meadows over the winter. Older leaves have been nibbled down, meaning that plenty of light can get down to ground level, ready for a rich variety of grasses, herbs and wildflowers to spring up as growing season approaches.
This scrub clearance which has been achieved on this winter workday is in line with our 2026 and beyond goal to makes the meadows more herb rich and larger. Select trees and areas of scrub are managed during the winter, alongside invading bracken, bramble and woody growth. As part of future workdays, we will be cutting and removing any remaining scrub from within the main meadow areas but improving the hedge scrub edges round them. A healthy graduated scrub edge will contain brambles merging into small scrub and up to medium sized native trees. This will protect the site from winds and the road as well as providing a rich habitat for birds and small mammals.
We have lots of upcoming volunteering opportunities and we are always delighted to welcome new people to join our workdays. Work is varied and adaptable, meaning we have tasks for a wide range of ages and abilities. Find out more on our online calendar.
Images: Albert Knott and Tom Usher