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Heathland management - mowing
A review of the management of lowland wet heaths in West Wales (Evans
1989) suggests that mowing can be a useful tool for restoring and managing
heathlands. Amongst the advantages and disadvantages identified were the following:
| Advantages |
Disadvantages |
| Useful tool where grazing is not possible |
Can be expensive and difficult because of terrain |
| Produces similar effects to burning/grazing |
Non selective |
| Can promote regrowth in Calluna |
Does not stimulate seed germination (as does burning) |
| Regular mowing (annual in late summer) can help ensure survival of plants
including orchids |
Where mowing is needed to create firebreaks the increased frequency can
promote grasses rather than herbs |
|
Guidance: These are derived for lowland wet heath and are not
specific to sea cliffs. They should be considered as providing indicative
options only.
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References
Evans, F.
1989.
A Review of the Management of Lowland Wet Heath in Dyfed, West Wales.
Contract Surveys, 42
Nature Conservancy Council.
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