 |
||||
WILD SEEDS and CONSERVATION |
||||
| Wild seeds are a resource that may be utilised by nature conservationists to create,
expand and manage sites of nature conservation interest.
The preservation of wild species and plant communities in nature reserves is important, not just for their intrinsic value, but also because they are a unique genetic resource that may be required now, or in the future. If used carefully, this resource can form the basis of projects that aim to raise the population levels of species and communities under threat.
Nature reserves often sit as islands of natural vegetation surrounded by agriculturally improved grasslands, or arable fields. This environment can hinder or prevent natural dispersal of wild species. Where opportunities arise to expand or create new reserves then seeding techniques can be used to assist in the dispersal and establishment of native vegetation, sometimes combining a degree of natural regeneration with the use of local origin seeds.
NATURAL REGENERATIONThis approach can succeed if a long term view is taken, and if the site is small and adjacent to existing native vegetation, or if the site is large and has only been out of native vegetation for 1-3 years. The establishment of the desired species will be best if the methods of ground preparation and management are carefully chosen to favour the required species and to suppress weeds. However, in most instances the soil seed bank will not contain the required species and the site will not be adjacent to an appropriate community from which natural colonisation can originate.
USING A LOCAL SEED SOURCEThe quickest and most satisfactory result may be produced by using a local seed source. If a suitable donor site exists nearby then seed can be harvested using a brush harvester. Alternatively, crop seed can be grown from locally collected stock seed. Sowing at the standard rate of 40kg/ha will usually produce a mixed community of native species, good ground cover and good suppression of weeds. Sowing at a reduced seed rate will produce a more open community. This will give less weed control, but will allow more natural regeneration if the conditions are favourable.
|
||||
 |
 |
 |
||
|
Emorsgate Wild Seeds |
Regrettably we only |
|||
