GCC Wildlife Area - Construct Corn Meadow

Construction of Corn Meadow

This is related to the Wildflower Meadow information. It is included as a separate subject since it is an area where annual flowers and grasses can be grown and observed. The Corn Meadow is really an artificial habitat, simulating the arable fields of Britain. Arable land can provide an important habitat for animals and plants. See what can be done without the use of herbicides in this type of meadow.

Preparation

The preparation of this site should be very similar to that for the Wildflower Meadow. Choose a site which is open, sunny and away from too many overhanging trees. It could, however, border on a Woodland area. To get rid of perennial weeds, the area should be dug over thoroughly and remove these by hand or covered with a black polythene sheet for a whole season. Vigorous, perennial weeds such as Docks and Dandelions may need eliminating with a glyphosate based weed-killer.

Our Corn Meadow Materials

A seed mixture of Barley, Oats, Wheat and perhaps Rye Grass (annual). A seed mixture of Cornfield Flowering Annuals (see list for suitable contents

Construction
After having disposed of unwanted perennial weeds and turf, all large stones must be removed and the area thoroughly raked. Use a garden sieve if necessary to cultivate the soil to a fine tilth. Rake and firm the soil by treading or rolling until the area is level. In early autumn or spring, mix the Cornfield Flowering Annual mixture and the cereal seeds, using fine sand to aid with even distribution. A rough guide for sowing, is 4g/m2 (1/8oz/sq yd); but check with the instructions with each mixture. Sow the seed by broadcasting by hand. For an even coverage, sow whilst walking the plot in one direction, at half the recommended rate. Then walk in the opposite direction, sowing the rest of the seed. Since there are cereal seeds about, the local pigeons (and other birds) may well be interested in this meadow. It is a good idea to lightly tread in the seeds after sowing to give the seeds a chance to germinate.

Plants
The annual flower seed mixture should include the following:

Corn Cockle (Agrostemma githago)

Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus)

Corn Marigold (Chrysanthemum segetum)

Common Poppy (Papaver rhoeas)
The cereal seed mixture should include the following:

Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum)

Two-rowed Barley (Hordeum distichon)

Cultivated Oat (Avena sativa)