Grassland restoration moves up a gear

Restoration of Dorset’s iconic grasslands is moving up a gear, with the purchase by Dorset Wildlife Trust of a unique flail mower. The Rytec ‘Flail and Collect’ machine will enable farmers to tackle scrub and rank grass to allow for the return of flowers and insects on farms in west Dorset.

Speeding up grassland restoration

Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Emily Newton said: “We know that many farmers and landowners want to welcome wildlife to their land and we want to make it as easy as possible for them to do this. This machine will speed the restoration of difficult to manage grassland sites.”

The Rytec machine is funded by Biffaward and the Tubney charitable trust as part of the Pastures New project to restore species rich grassland. Hire of the machine is free in areas of west Dorset that have been earmarked for particular attention as part of the project.

Win-win for wildlife and farming

Emily added: “ With current government pressure on farmers to produce more food while remaining mindful of the environment, we can help private landowners to bring unproductive land back into the farming system whilst at the same time creating wildlife habits…a win-win for wildlife and farming!

Photo and film opportunity

See the Rytec flail mower in action on Tuesday 23rd February 10am:
Demonstration of the Rytec machine at Lankham Bottom Butterfly Conservation reserve, off the A37 near Cattistock. Grid ref ST606 004. For more information contact Emily Newton on 01300 321329 or 07824 438973.

Find out more

For further information, contact Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Pastures New team on 01300 321329 or visit the click here  to read about the Pastures New  project online.