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Paddocks and small fields

Although much of the general advice on this website is relevant to all types of species-rich grasslands, there are particular challenges in managing paddocks and small fields, especially if they are isolated from a larger working grassland farm.

There are particular risks if the grazing is let and if the field is grazed throughout the spring and summer by too many animals. Worse still, if grazing animals are allowed to stay on the field during winter. Such 'over'-grazing can lead to detrimental changes to the wild flora and associated wildlife, as well as damage to the soil itself and the development of acute problems with noxious weeds.

For those paddocks that still contain a good diversity of wild flowers, or those wishing to restore wild-plant diversity to species-poor paddocks and small fields, please see the Grazing and livestock and the Making hay sections.

Further advice on paddock management is available from a variety of sources but bear in mind that not all the management suggested by them will be appropriate for a grassland rich in wild plants or one that you may wish to restore for biodiversity.

For owners of horses and ponies, why not look at our special leaflet on managing horse and pony-grazed wild meadows. Equines can be really good grazing animals for wild meadows, providing they are carefully managed. Strip grazing and co-grazing are particularly good approaches that will help conserve the meadow and ensure your animals are maintained in good health.