Author Archives: Martin

Estimates

Posted on April 26, 2018 by Martin

Before I start on the Defra reply, here is a short explanation which will help you see why what might seem to be a semantic quibble later on is actually crucial to knowing how much Lowland Meadow habitat exists. When … Continue reading →

Posted in The I.Pot | 6 Comments

Available data

Posted on March 25, 2018 by Martin

I got an answer to my questions about implementing the new grassland SSSI designation guidelines from Natural England on 23 March. Replies are normally meant to arrive within 15 working days; I sent the first email on 31st January. Anyway, … Continue reading →

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All examples of MG5 over 0.5 ha can now be designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) so why hasn’t that happened?

Posted on February 25, 2018 by Martin

On 26th January I went to visit a site I first surveyed in 2007 as part of a Local Wildlife Site review; I went because I had been informed it had been recently damaged by the landowner. There are records … Continue reading →

Posted in Conservation | 5 Comments

A proposal for dating ancient neutral grassland (MG5) communities using indicator species

Posted on February 25, 2018 by Martin

The Natural England Technical Information Note TIN147  http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/6626052 on MG5 is a fantastic summary of all things MG5 and much recommended reading. I’ve been thinking about historical context on my latest blogs and the Note states that the plant community … Continue reading →

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Documenting ancient grassland loss – a short-ish review.

Posted on January 7, 2018 by Martin

I haven’t read through all available papers/reports on grassland loss  (a lot of the science is behind a paywall despite being publicly funded) but I’ve collated enough to give an overview here. Also …it’s complicated, so has been tricky to … Continue reading →

Posted in Conservation | 3 Comments

Defining Ancient Grassland

Posted on September 27, 2017 by Martin

I’ve been emailing different people at different government departments about the recording of ancient grassland (and also chatting to conservation charities) when I’ve had time. I just email a question and ask if it can be answered – please forward … Continue reading →

Posted in The I.Pot | 4 Comments

The Curious Incidence of the Knapweed in the Meadow.

Posted on August 12, 2017 by Martin

  It would seem that knapweed is almost synonymous with meadow in conservation. If you want to create a new meadow then it’s in just about every meadow mix of seed you can find – always recommended as being good … Continue reading →

Posted in The I.Pot | 4 Comments

Medieval grassland on road verges and where to find it.

Posted on August 3, 2017 by Martin

One of the advantages of increasing age is that you get to see the same plants growing in the same places over the years, especially the unusual ones.  We don’t expect herbaceous plants to be long-lived but they can be. … Continue reading →

Posted in The I.Pot | 2 Comments

Rural Road Verge Links

Posted on August 1, 2017 by Martin

Whilst looking on the internet I found evidence for a lot of UK projects on management and on surveys of rural road verges. If you are interested in this happening in your local area, have a look to see if … Continue reading →

Posted in The I.Pot | 1 Comment

Why is no-one sciencing urban road verges?

Posted on July 26, 2017 by Martin

Those people who work high up in the hotel chain business will know that a refurbishment of a hotel is important not just for what it looks like but also for how long it takes to clean. Ongoing maintenance costs … Continue reading →

Posted in The I.Pot | 2 Comments