The once ‘Wild Flower’ Meadow, has not materialised for the last 2 years, Wild Flowers can be very tempremental – relying on water and weather conditions, but this year only produced a vast ammount of Thistles.
Lots of comments and some ‘complaints, below is what Cllr/leader FDC Chris Boden sent out to a resident.
“One person’s wildflower can be another person’s weed!”
A glyphosate-based weed killer was initially applied several years ago to manage perennial weeds prior to seeding the area with a wildflower mix. Following complaints in 2021/22, the use of herbicides in the meadow was discontinued.
This change has contributed to the increased presence of perennial thistles over recent seasons.
The perimeter of the meadow continues to be maintained as part of FDC’s regular groundskeeping schedule, with mowing occurring twice monthly.
The meadow itself was cut this week, I understand, to help control the spread of thistles, and this will continue throughout the season.
Fenland District Council is actively exploring alternative, herbicide-free methods for managing the meadow. These may include revised mowing schedules and/or the use of organic treatments to suppress thistle growth.
RG Note :- I understand that around 50% of the area has been mowed down,
I’ll have a look tomorrow on my travels…
Below the preparations in place April 2025
Success in 2022