Preserving hay meadows

In years gone by, forage conservation in Co Fermanagh relied totally on hay production. A combination of low fertiliser inputs, late cutting and dispersal of seeds in the process of tedding ensured the sustainability of species rich meadows.

However, the picture is very different today with increased mechanisation, modern feed systems and the unpredictability of the Fermanagh weather. Most of the fodder in the county is now conserved as silage. As a result the number of traditional hay meadows has greatly decreased.

The typical hay meadow has a rich diversity of plant species. Soil type and management have considerable influence on the variety of plants found in any particular field.

Hay meadows can include species such as yellow rattle, ox eye daisy, knapweed, meadow thistle, orchids and ragged robin. This latter plant gives meadows their characteristic purple haze at this time of year. Other plants found in these meadows are reputed to be of interest particularly in the field of medicine. Meadowsweet which is found in damper areas derived its name from the fact that it was once used to flavour mead, a drink made from honey by the Anglo Saxons. In 1839 salicylic acid was discovered in these flowers and from this substance aspirin was developed. Meadowsweet is also an effective herbal remedy for stomach disorders.

Lady’s Bedstraw is another interesting plant. It was once used in cheese making as it causes milk to curdle and in some areas it is called Cheese Rennet. Medicinally it is claimed to have been used for kidney disorders and for the treatment of slow healing wounds and skin complaints.

Fermanagh is one of the last remaining areas in Northern Ireland where traditional hay meadows have a stronghold. Approximately 1000 hectares of hay meadows are currently managed under Northern Ireland’s agri-environment schemes, with over 90% of the meadows in County Fermanagh.

The main concentration of hay meadows are found in the Belcoo-Garrison area, in the west of the county. One such meadow is that found on the farm of John Joe Keown, Corramore, Garrison, where the traditional practice of haymaking still continues.

John Joe has been a participant in the Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) Scheme for over 10 years. He is well aware of the importance of conserving this valuable habitat and does so by adhering to the management prescriptions prescribed under the scheme.

These prescriptions include restricted fertiliser use, a later cutting date which allows plants to flower and set seed, no chemical control of weeds and pests and grazing of the after grass to prevent grasses becoming too lush. Cutting must not take place before the 1 July.

With financial incentives for positive management under current agri-environment schemes (Environmentally Sensitive Areas Scheme and Countryside Management Scheme) the species diversity found within our hay meadows will continue to be maintained and enhanced.

For further information on the management of traditional hay meadows and agri-environment schemes, contact Countryside Management Branch at your local Department of Agriculture and Rural Development office.