Horses help regenerate wildflower meadows

At Scotney Castle, located in the beautiful Kent countryside, a new approach to maintaining wildflower meadows is being implemented. The National Trust, which owns the castle, has decided to use horses for mowing instead of modern machinery. The two horses, Percy and Frank, are Oakwood Clydesdales, and they are helping to restore the meadows to their natural beauty. This method is not only traditional but also beneficial for the environment. The horses are gentle on the soil and the wildlife, causing less damage than heavy machines. The National Trust emphasizes that using horses is a more eco-friendly option since they do not require fossil fuels to operate. Last year, Scotney Castle conducted a small test using the horses for mowing. Richard Newman, the ranger at the castle, observed that the wildflowers began to flourish much faster than when tractors were used. He expressed his excitement, saying, 'It was amazing to see. We noticed that the meadow bounced back, with more wildflowers. ' The reason for this rapid recovery is that the horses create less compaction in the soil, allowing the wildflowers to break through more easily. Additionally, the natural fertilization from horse manure provides extra nutrients for the plants. The National Trust explained that mowing is essential for the regeneration of wildflowers. By removing other vegetation like grasses and nettles, the nutrient levels in the soil are reduced, creating a more favorable environment for wildflowers to thrive. This, in turn, attracts various insects and birds, enhancing biodiversity in the area. Mr. Newman highlighted the historical significance of using animals for land management in the High Weald region, where Scotney Castle is situated. He noted that in the past, farmers relied on oxen to navigate the challenging terrain of deep valleys and numerous streams. He lamented that these traditional practices are fading away but emphasized the importance of reviving them for the benefit of nature.