The Department for the Environment was abolished in the recent government reshuffle. But then, lo and behold, it was reinstated! This was following outcries from environmental NGOs such as BirdWatch Ireland and An Taisce.

However, according to a press release from An Taisce, the whole thing is still very unsatisfactory. The title for the new department is Department for Communications, Climate Action, and Environment. They reiterate their concern that arrangements for waste, water and wildlife are split across three departments and environmental groups feel that this could lead to a disjointed approach to protecting a healthy environment. They also voice concerns about the National Parks and Wildlife Service having suffered severe budgetary cuts during the lifetime of the previous administration.

Let us get away from this most retrograde decision and discuss something more positive.

Using GLAS

How about now starting to plan for something that will give you and others lasting pleasure? - I refer to wildflower meadows and traditional hay meadows. If you are in GLAS, you will be paid for establishing these. Wildflower meadows can be established under the heading of set aside. Look at the GLAS guidelines and use a small quantity of suitable grasses, which will not compete with the wildflower seeds.

Wild bird cover is another heading in which one could include wildflower seeds, but as it is only sown for one year, this would seem to be expensive. The heading of traditional hay meadows is another interesting option in GLAS. These have to be already in existence but perhaps a sward established for over five years or so could be considered in the future?

If starting with a small portion of wildflower meadow this year, do not leave it too late in the year. August would be good. There is nothing like a good start for any crop.

My first attempt at perhaps a quarter-acre plot some years ago was a bit of a disaster. It was sown too late in the autumn on some heavy soil. Nothing much came up and I nearly decided to start again in the following spring.

However, Sandro Cafolla of Design by Nature persuaded me to hold hard and give it a chance. Since then, it has got better every year. We added some yellow rattle seed (which suppresses grass) and we also put in plugs of ragged robin and a few other species.

I am now watching as dog daisies and vetches come into flower. Something to give pleasure all summer long.

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Farming with nature in mind: All columns by Will Warham