When to Mow a Meadow. Listen to episode 9 of our podcast.

Cutting back our meadows in summer often looks brutal. Take a tour of Trumpington Meadows with Senior Ranger Rebecca Green and find out why we do it, how we determine when to do it - and what amazing wildlife you can find at a meadow near you this summer, before or after the hay cut.

When to mow a meadow depends on what you're mowing it for. For our nature reserves, where wildlife takes precedent, there are lots of things to consider. Rebecca Green, Senior Ranger at Trumpington Meadows, took us on a little tour of this amazing meadow in Cambridge, built alongside (and thanks to) the housing development of the same name. She fills us in on the wonder of this glorious summer habitat, and explains why and when we cut it - and what we do to make sure it has as little impact as possible on all the wildlife that uses it.

Scroll down to find some photos of some of the things we saw on the day - and some links to things we talk about in this episode.

Credits

Podcast host and producer: Sophie Baker
Interviewee: Rebecca Green
BCN Beauties: Matt Hamilton
Podcast music: Written and performed by James Williams. Mixed and produced by Jared Wentwick.