Conservation Grassland Seed Mix – Suitable for Golf Roughs

Phoenix Amenity Supplies has recognised the many benefits to wildlife and conservation of letting the grass grow long. Our low-maintenance grass seed mixes have traditionally been used for golf roughs and for areas that are difficult to mow, but it is important to notice that in grassland areas that are left to grow, there may be real benefits in terms of conservation and wildlife.

We have developed our Conservation Grassland & Golf Roughs Grass Seed Mix as an addition to our low-maintenance grasses product range. The conservation group, South Bedfordshire Friends of the Earth, have highlighted the importance of grassland areas. In a recent project at Leighton Buzzard Station, it was suggested insects, birds and small mammals all benefit from long grasses being left without mowing.

“Long grasses such as these provide the ideal habitat for beetles, crickets, spiders and grasshoppers. These in turn provide food to caterpillars of Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Small Heath and Ringlet butterflies. The adult butterflies, Meadow Brown and Ringlet feed on these grasses.

Thrushes and Blackbirds depend on a wide range of insects that need these long grasses to breed and survive. Thrushes have declined by 50% since the 1970’s. .”

http://www.southbedsfoe.co.uk/station_wildlife.htm

If grass is left to grow well into late autumn – it gives material for building nests as well as having all the other food and habitat benefits for insects, small mammals and birds. It should be noted however, a late mow before the winter comes will encourage new growth in the spring by getting rid of much of the debris which can prohibit fallen seeds from germinating.

If the specially chosen attractive grasses in the Conservation Grassland Seed Mix are left to develop and bloom, the overall landscape will have more visual impact. The variety in height and grass species gives a range of colour and depth. Variations will occur each year, depending on the growing conditions, cutting or mowing will therefore depend on how quickly the grass develops and will need to be monitored each year.

For more information about any of our grass seed mixes, contact the Sales Office at Phoenix Amenity Supplies Ltd

 

Conservation Grassland & Golf Roughs Grass Seed Mix

This low maintenance mix is excellent for conservation grassland areas and a suitable companion mix for areas adjacent to wildflower meadows where aggressive and competitive grass species are not desired.

It is suitable for areas that require the minimal amount of maintenance, it may take longer to establish but its slower growing will allow for it to be cut as little as twice a year. It will develop into a low maintenance grass sward that is suitable for areas that are difficult to mow, such as steep slopes or areas that are designed to be left un-mown for long periods. This mixture is ideal for golf roughs, wildlife areas or natural environments for wildlife or any patches of ground left to grow.

  • 20% Slender Creeping Red Fescue
  • 30% Creeping Red Fescue
  • 10% Smooth Stalked Meadow Grass
  • 15% Hard Fescue
  • 20% Chewings Fescue
  • 5%   Brown Top Bent

Sowing Rate on bare ground: 30g/m²
Overseeding Rate on thin areas: 20g/m²
Mowing Height: as required