On this nature trail, you have had the chance to explore how well-managed sun-exposed environment sustains nature’s diversity. Other kinds of flower fields and meadows, too, have become less common as traditional farming methods have given way to intensive farming and yards now have evenly mown lawns. Because there are less blooming plants, many butterflies, hoverflies, Lepturas and Anoploderas, Apoideas and other insects have also become less common.
By selective scything you can help field plants in your own yard. Scything and raking once or twice every summer is the best way to manage a meadow, if grazing is not possible. Breaking the soil with an iron rake, for example, helps seeds to germinate.
Blooming and, in particular, rare meadow plants should be left standing so that they can seed and butterflies can enjoy them. The basis of meadow management is soil impoverishment by transporting scythe cuttings away from the meadow. At the same time, the number of animal species is further enriched.