Farnham Quarry

Grassland areas

A number of methods were used to establish vegetation in the lowland meadow. The first phase was cultivated and seeded with a Countryside Stewardship approved “re-creating grasslands” mixture with a small proportion of wildflower mix added. Subsequent phases have generally incorporated natural regeneration from the soil seed bank. Hay strewing was also used as a source of propagules in the second and third phases when conservation volunteers from the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership spread green hay collected from nearby species-rich meadows.

A third phase was also over-seeded using a stewardship grass seed mix but with alternate strips seeded with a more expensive MG5(MG5 = Species-rich lowland Mesotrophic Grassland under Rodwell’s National Vegetation Classification) grass/wildflower mix. The hay-strewing has been the most successful method to date, though composition of the sward is expected to change as it matures.

To increase species-richness, all areas have been mown just once or twice per year in late summer, though no cropping or removal of vegetation has yet been possible, and a hay-cutting and/or a grazing regime is being considered if a suitable tenant can be found. Grazing began on the site in 2009 using ponies but has since ceased due to overstocking by the tenant. Overstocking led to problems with poaching, although this may have been beneficial for the strewn hay. The restored meadow is now be cut in late summer after flower seed has set. Grassland surveys were undertaken in 2007 and 2011 and found that the species richness of the meadow continues to improve over time, with certain parts now well established.

An “accidental” wet area has been left in the meadow due to soil compaction and shallow gradient, which has been accepted and left without further remedial treatment. Such action would have been taken if the focus of after-use had been towards agriculture rather than nature conservation. This wet area attracts a number of birds, adding further interest to the meadow.

Advice from the local authority ecologist helped in drawing up the design, in particular to make the grasslands more attractive to key bird species by removal of previously proposed hedgerows/trees that could harbour predators.

In late 2011, on the recommendation of Surrey County Council’s Restoration Manager, one of the silt lagoon bunds was breached and the silt allowed to slump and flow out in the direction of the open water area. It is hoped this material will settle and dry out but remain wet enough to enable a wet grassland sward to develop.