Creating new areas of Yellow Rattle using the Green Hay Method

Kingarrock Hickory Golf Course

Scotland

Written by: Owen Browne

Yellow Rattle, a semi-parasitic plant, is harvested from established rough areas using a cut-and-collect machine. The resulting hay is then spread by hand over a site that has been prepared over several years through cutting, collecting, and grazing. After the hay is spread, it is left to dry for several days before being collected, during which the Yellow Rattle seeds naturally fall and begin to germinate the following spring.

By attaching to the roots of nearby grasses, Yellow Rattle extracts nutrients from them, weakening the grasses and reducing their dominance. This results in thinner grass growth, which creates more space and resources for wildflowers to thrive.

By suppressing grass growth, Yellow Rattle enhances the diversity of wildflowers, creating a richer habitat for various wildlife species and transforming the area into a hub for biodiversity. Once established, it helps maintain a balanced ecosystem, reducing the need for frequent management practices like mowing.

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