This week was our annual bracken cut on DPA owned land at Pudsham Meadows. Using both strimmers and hand operated scythes, DPA conservation volunteers cut back bracken growth in our four fields: Pudsham Meadow, Goat Field, Small Field and Sylvia’s Field. The entire site consists of these four fields plus several small shelterbelt areas filled with Scots pine and deciduous shrubs and trees. The land stretches on both sides of a farm track/bridleway that runs south from the road between Widecombe and Cold-East Cross. The entire area encompasses approximately 1.3 hectares (3.2 acres).
Volunteer Derek Colins said, ‘What an amazing day, the bracken stood no chance against such a dedicated and skilled team so many thanks to you all, we discovered that volunteer Graham is a natural Apache scythe operator and what is more I think he enjoyed the experience. As in previous years it was extremely warm so we stopped reasonably early leaving a small amount to finish off in Sylvia’s field when we meet up in two weeks time for the bracken rake with the Devon Wildlife Trust volunteers.’
Cutting the bracken back to ground level is a technique which effectively reduces the vigour of the plant, meaning that it grows back smaller, and more sparsely, the following year. We have been cutting the bracken for many years at Pudsham now, with the result being that this invasive plant is no longer the dominant species in the meadows. This means that many varieties of grass and wildflower are able to get adequate sun and nutrients in order to flourish. Important species include the four types of native orchid which we count at Pudsham each year, with the numbers being one indicator of site health.
The fields are not only valuable wildlife habitats but also recognized as a County Wildlife Site. Pudsham Meadow, the first field on the left as the bridleway leaves Pudsham Down, is particularly remarkable. According to Dartmoor National Park ecologists, it stands as one of the finest hay meadows within the National Park. The other two fields had been neglected in the past, but with the collaborative efforts of DNPA ecologists, local supporters, and the previous owner, they are rapidly regaining their former glory. In fact, the UK Biodiversity Action Plan identifies such fields as Priority Habitat due to their alarming decline over the past half-century.
Recent studies have confirmed that this type of long term commitment to bracken management is the only way to effectively control the plant, without a heavy and ongoing reliance on herbicides. Mechanical cutting needs to be carried out yearly, ideally teamed up with further ‘spot control’ interventions, including further cutting or pulling focused on problem areas. Grazing with cattle or Dartmoor ponies is also a useful tool as they trample emerging bracken shoots as they move around. In line with these findings, we will be preparing our land at Pudsham Meadows for short term grazing by Dartmoor ponies in the autumn buy raking and removing the dead bracken once it has dried.
If this important conservation work appeals to you, why not come along and join us as a volunteer? Our full workday schedule is available on our website and our friendly team is always happy to welcome new faces.