Work keeps meadow in shape

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Volunteers from the Kentish Stour Countryside project spent a day cutting, pruning and gardening a meadow corridor on a new cycle route.

Verges along the Park Farm to Ashford town centre path are brimming with wild flowers but they are threatened by dominant docks and creeping thistles if not well maintained.

Debbie Reynolds, countryside officer, said: “Wild flower grasslands require regular management during the first few years to ensure that competition from more dominant species is controlled.

“Successful management will lead to many years of value in terms of habitat provision and low labour costs.

“The wild flower verges mark the edge of a successful tree planting project which will create habitat for local populations of hazel dormice.”

For more information or advice on wild flower meadow creation all the project on 03000 410900, email kentishstour@kent.gov.uk or visit www. kentishstour.org.uk

Volunteers David Mann and Jim Garrett managing docks and creeping thistle