Keeping change in check

Having occupied Pam’s field for more than 15 years, this chalk mound is in continual change and development. “It was the first chalk mound I made,” she says. “I’d been wanting to try it out. We dumped the chalk in a heap and then slightly terraced it to encourage plants to establish.” Gradually settling over the course of a decade, the mound began to blend with its surrounding meadow. Although this has led to a more subtle, integrated appearance, the crossover makes its mark. “There’s a little more fertility on the lower regions, where the chalk has mixed with the clay,” says Pam. “The richest results in terms of flowers are on top, as the soil is purer.”

Another important factor when creating the mound was where to place it. “It was always going to be good for bees,” says Pam, “but butterflies often prefer a south-facing bank, so we needed to consider the aspect.” Once the mound was situated and the seeds sown, Pam allowed it to develop naturally.

“We have to keep an eye on false oat-grass,” says Pam. “It can be a pain because it grows too high and flattens the other plants. You do have to edit a meadow, but it’s hardly a gardening commitment.” Removing seed heads before they disperse, Pam keeps unwanted plants in check. This control method is simple and effective, although plants occasionally call for complete removal at the roots. “We edit grasses more than any broad-leafed species to get the mix right,” she says. “Species tend to knock each other out a bit and compete for space,” says Pam. “You can provide a habitat for them but ultimately plants are wilful. They’ll only go where they want to go, and they know what’s best for them.”

“We have to keep an eye on the false oat-grass... You do have to edit a meadow, but it’s hardly a gardening commitment”