Long grass scythed on Wanstead Flats to safeguard local wildlife habitats

Members of the Wren Wildlife Group have been scything long grass in the Skylark nesting area on Wanstead Flats.

“This prevents the anthills from being shaded out by broom and brambles. The ants form a large part of Green Woodpeckers’ diet, and if their nest sites are shaded out, the ants desert them and the woodpeckers lose their food source. Mechanical mowing would risk damaging the anthills. Additionally, scything prevents coarser grasses taking over, which discourages Skylarks from nesting,” said Tim Harris.

Author: Editor