Blagrove Common
One of the finest areas of marshy grassland in Hertfordshire. It is at its best in late sring when it is carpetted with orchids.
Blagrove Common is one of the few remaining areas of unimproved marshy grassland on poorly drained boulder clay. It is bisected by a stream and varies in wetness from marshy grassland to dry neutral grassland.
The marshy areas are dominated by rushes and tufted hairs grass. Amongst these large numbers of early marsh, southern marsh and common spotted orchids and a variety of their hybrids can be found.
The grasslands have been maintained for several centuries by grazing. This form of management ensures that some species, such as orchids, survive instead of allowing the more vigorous grasses to out compete all other species. Traditional grazing on wet areas also produces muddy, trampled areas which are an important micro-habitat for some plants and invertebrates.
The drier areas of the common support meadow fox tail grasses, common cat's ear and common sorrel among many other species.
Blagrove Common Now
Blagrove is managed through a combination of local grazing and cutting and raking areas of rushes and thistles. Last year the common was grazed by longhorn cattle and it is hoped they will return next year (2010) as this is the best way to keep coarse vegetation from taking over.
