The idea
of creating compost heaps grew out of the need to find a practical
method of disposing of large quantities of grass clippings generated
from the changes in the way in which we manage the grassland
at Alton. Wildlife really benefits from less frequent mowing
and a reduction in nutrient levels that occurs by removing the
clippings. This allows the establishment of a more species rich
meadow that is not dominated by a few of the more aggressive
grass species.
Although
much of the grass is baled and sent off-site for animal fodder
all the clippings from the wildflower meadow are piled into
heaps and left to compose. The area we have chosen is of low
conservational value as it had been used as a dumping area during
the construction of the reservoir in the 1970’s.
In addition
it is also useful to add other waste including wood chips, pond
vegetation and woodland brash. This provides a range of decomposition
rates that reptiles can more fully exploit. A hedge was planted
around the area to reduce disturbance and provide additional
cover.Experiments with various covers have found corrugated
iron sheets, black pond liners and old carpets to all be effective
in attracting reptiles.
