VOLUNTEERING FOR WILDLIFE
Alison Irvine is Convener of the Management Group for Fleecefaulds Meadow. Here she answers some questions from the Editor about the Reserve and the work that is carried out during the year.
Q Alison, what makes Fleecefaulds special for you?
A Fleecefaulds is special for me because of its association with Frank and Carol Spragge. Frank was a founder member and later a Chairman of SWT, and has had a long-standing local connection. It is entirely due to the Spragges that I became involved with the SWT, as they roped me in to help with the Cupar and Ceres group shortly after I graduated. So when Frank and Carol gifted Fleecefaulds Meadow to SWT in 1998, it seemed appropriate that I should become involved with this fascinating reserve
Q What is significant about the Reserve itself?
A Fleecefaulds is an SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest). It used to produce an extensive range of grasses and flowers, because the site was very calcareous owing to overspill from the limestone slag from the workings in the vicinity. However, the grazing regime over the past 30 years has led to an increase of scrub and trees, which dominate other vegetation. So there is much to be done to reverse this process. It is a challenging task, still in its infancy.
Q But a start has been made?
A Yes, definitely. Fleecefaulds has benefited greatly from the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund, which funded tree felling in parts of the site where this was necessary (native trees are being planted in Spragge Spinney, on a part of the site outwith the SSSI area). The car park was surfaced thanks to HLF, so is much improved from the opening day when the Chief Executive of Scottish Natural Heritage had to push a minibus out of the mud. Then there is the most exciting initiative of all.
Q You mean the Flying Flock?
A Yes. This is of key importance for the regeneration of the grassland at Fleecefaulds. As FAWN readers will know, the Flying Flock, SWT’s first flock of conservation sheep, has been funded by HLF to graze for conservation, and it is on Fleecefaulds from August to the early spring usually. Over the past three years there has been quite a noticeable increase in the number of orchids and the Globe Flower has spread to 2 other areas.
Q So if the flock is restoring the Reserve, does that mean there is no other work needed?
A Far from it! There is ongoing work while the sheep are off the reserve, mainly thistle and ragwort pulling, scrub cutting and other tough but essential jobs. I am impressed by the dedicated team of volunteers who just come on site and get on with these practical tasks either as a group or on their own.
Q What are the special plants at Fleecefaulds?
A Orchids of which we have 6 species, which are at their best in June and early July, and these are increasing conspicuously. Globeflowers, rare in Fife, which must be seen in May are both outstanding. But as well as plants that are pretty to look at, there is much to excite a botanist, including Marsh horsetail and hybrid grasses.
Q What animal species favour this grassland?
A The variety of flowers leads to a great variety of insects including 12 species of butterfly and many moths.
Q What of the future?
A Maintaining grassland is similar to maintaining a garden – if you do not do it continuously and regularly, it will revert to scrub and woodland. We need to consolidate, keep all the tasks going routinely but at the same time sustain the enthusiasm.
(See also “The Art of Monitoring Grassland” - Ed.)