TOP SPOTS: FOUR GRASSES FOR GRAZING

PERENNIAL RYE GRASS

The most widespread grazing species, this tough, vigorous grass has been grown in the British Isles for 350 years. Dropped seeds from hay transportation mean it grows well on verges and roadsides. It has green stems and long, slender leaves like blades. The spikelets alternate on each side of the stem.

COCKSFOOT

Introduced from America in the 1760s, this tussocky grass divided opinion among agriculturalists with reports from “very sweet” to “refused by all cattle”. ‘Cocksfoot’ refers to the shape of the seed head and it can grow on anything from sandy soil and wet clay to poor ground, due to its deep roots.

TIMOTHY

A native European grass that is very good for early season grazing. Its long, cylindrical flower spikes can be seen from June to August. It’s named after Timothy Hanson who promoted its use as horse fodder in America in the early 1700s. Today it’s grown for hay for horses and as cattle fodder.

MEADOW FESCUE

This useful crop for grazing, hay and silage-making grows in tall tufts up to 50 inches tall, flowering from mid-summer to August. Often found in rich, moist soils, it has broad, bright green leaves and thrives in low-lying grassland, pastures and water meadows. Many farmers grow it with Timothy.