£3,509 granted for pony grazing and brush cutter with 3 batteries for Gwithian Green.  Grazing has been very effective in reducing rank vegetation and allowing more wildflowers to flourish and this grant has ensured that the process of maintaining the rich biodiversity of the Green has continued. The brush cutter has made a big difference in terms of its flexibility and use by volunteers to maintain sections of the path.  Cutting the vegetation exposes priority species such as a Sharp Rush ( Juncus Acutus) as shown in the photo. This species is listed in the Red Data Book as Nationally Scarce and is only one of two examples recorded throughout Cornwall. 

“I’ve now finished my surveying on the Green. The initial results show that the grazed areas exhibit more floral diversity than the ungrazed, as is pretty obvious to anyone walking around. But I’m now modelling the differences a bit more precisely – ie, how types of plants (forbs, grasses, woody) are affected, and what the relationships are between grazing, bare ground, vegetation height and species diversity.” Darcy O’Connor MSc Student Restoration Ecology University of Plymouth

“We visited the Green 15 years ago when down on holiday from London. We cannot believe how much it has improved in terms of being more floriferous. There are less brambles and thick tufted grass, paths are wide and well maintained. It is an amazing peaceful place.” Jane and Philip Spender, East Finchley London

“Using the new electric brush cutter is very impressive. It is so easy to start without all the paraphernalia that comes with a petrol machine as well as being quieter and more environmentally friendly. Its accessibility means I can support the contractors work, which he finds difficult to manage because of funding restrictions, such as paths that have grown over quickly because of excessive rainfall or clearing the vegetation around ponds and around special species of plants that are in danger of being smothered by grass.” FOTT Volunteer.