Frequently Asked Question

Areas of our sites that are designated parkland or meadow grassland will naturally contain plants that are commonly thought of as weeds. All native plants have their place in the sophisticated ecosystems that make up our sites and, while some of the more commonly recognised species (dock, dandelion, buttercup, thistle) may be considered “weeds” in highly-managed lawn, they play a vital role in providing food for local wildlife. 

Some of the first emerging 'weeds' are dandelions and daisies. These are both extremely important spring flowers that provide nectar for pollinating insects, and we do not discourage them for that reason. Similarly, a very large array of invertebrates depend on docks and nettles, including some very beautiful butterflies and moths. Please remember, insectivorous birds and mammals are dependent on the insects on these flowers for their food. 

In some cases, where there is excessive growth within the grassland, we may manually cut individual plants below ground level (ahead of seeding) with a spade, or similar sharp tool to reduce numbers, but this is based on feedback from monitoring visit and varies from site to site and habitat type to habitat type. 

Our company promotes grasslands that are much more natural, contain many species and are enormously more beneficial in helping to restore the biodiversity that has been lost in the UK in recent decades.  

By definition weeds are wild plants that are growing in the wrong place, on our sites they are growing in their natural environment, which is the right place. 
 
It is vital to the survival of future generations that we foster and promote and care for habitats that are as rich as possible in native species and reverse the current trend of species decline.