The grass is greener

Lawn care is really important to wildlife, says Peter

- Peter Seabrook

THERE were times last summer when the front and back lawns were looking pretty sorry for themselves. Lack of rain and scorching temperatures on heavy clay soil took their toll. Speed of recovery after heavy rain is reassuring and little less than a miracle, although the damage still shows in some places.

Neatly mown lawns are not just decorative – where would our song birds be without an area of moist turf to forage for grubs and worms? I just wish they would sort out the ants at the same time! Turf, like all green-leaved plants, absorbs carbon dioxide, traps dust and absorbs rainfall, reducing run-off and the risk of flooding.