Wild Matters: The symbiotic nature of midsummer meadows

Species rich grasslands are now one of the most threatened habits in Ireland and if once common orchids, bees, butterflies, wildflowers and farmland birds are to be part of our future, we must act now for effective restoration

All over Ireland, midsummer meadows are glorious right now. Bright pinks of ragged robin mingle with tall stems of delicate meadow buttercup in richly textured swards. Pictures: iStock

We talk a lot about ‘wild’, a popular term that is now widely used to sell deodorant, books, foods, events and holidays. The idea of being free of control or cultivation clearly appeals to our times. But when it comes to nature conservation, ‘wild’ isn’t always the best approach. In Ireland, as with much of western Europe, rich cultural landscapes have been farmed for millennia. Our grasslands exist because people have been grazing farm animals or cutting hay to feed those animals. Pastures and meadows are ‘semi-natural’ habitats that have been shaped by human hands since farming cultures first arrived here in Neolithic times, around 6,000 years ago.

All over Ireland, mid-summer meadows are glorious right now. Bright pinks of ragged robin mingle with tall stems of delicate meadow buttercup in richly textured swards. Pastures crammed with wild orchids host an array of colourful butterflies feeding on the nectar of assorted wildflowers. When we stay quiet and listen, we can hear the characterful calls of grasshoppers coming from among the tall grasses.