Will sward become biodiverse naturally?

n1st

Shocking lack of flowers and herbs in my meadows. Beef cattle only. I've not spread slurry or fertilizer in 2 years. Topping and mowing in late July. No spraying in 2 years.

If I continue will plants return naturally?

I'm interested in more flowers for the wildlife and more herbs for cattle health.

Birdnuts

should do - if you want to speed it up you could scarify some parts and overseed with a herbal mix

Water John

You could also lengthen the grazing rotation, letting some plants seed. Mow meadows in mid July. I've seen it used in the UK where you buy in hay from a many species meadow. Then out winter some cattle and roll out the bale for them to eat. The cattle walk in the seeds to the ground.

n1st

If I wanted to speed it up:

After grazing and before growth starts e.g. March.

Could I scarify with and then overseed?

I'm thinking of speeding it up around the margins say, 6 meters around a few fields.

Would a chain harrow help?

Water John

Late March or April maybe, I used a Rakeman 3000 and an air seeder for seeding. I have added this herb mix when reseeding last year.

https://www.fruithillfarm.com/seeds-and-propagation/green-manures-and-forage-crops/grass-and-meadow-mixes/organic-herb-mix-for-grassland.html

Must see are any still around later in the year.

80sDiesel

I have created some wildflower meadows but the secret is to reduce competition from grass. That means less grass for your cattle. I added yellowrattle and native seed mixes and closed the meadows from paddy's day to July. Less grass but far more variety.

ttnov77

Yes and no, there will be lots of grass but if you want wildflowers you need yellow rattle and some management

ttnov77

Here is good read on wildflower meadow creation

https://www.growitbio.com/post/irish-native-wildflowers-area-preparation-sowing-and-maintenance

ttnov77

Here is some read on yellow rattle https://www.growitbio.com/post/yellow-rattle-a-wildflower-for-meadow-restoration

ttnov77

Yes scarifying help as the seed need to be in good contact with soil