Growing Grass Seed

A Two-Year Rotation with Lasting Benefits
At Lower Blakemere Farm, we follow a two-year rotation for our grass seed crop, an approach that brings both agricultural and environmental rewards. The process begins with planting grass seed in the autumn, allowing it to establish over the winter months. By the following summer, the seed is ready for the first harvest, and we also bale up the remaining grass seed straw. After this, the crop remains in the ground for another year, and we harvest it again the next summer. This efficient cycle maximises both the yield and the sustainability of the crop.

Why a Two-Year Rotation?
There are several reasons we use a two-year rotation. Firstly, it allows us to get two full harvests from the same crop, making the most of the seed we plant. This method reduces soil disturbance, improving soil structure and reducing the need for replanting, which saves on resources like fuel and seed. By leaving the grass in the ground for a second harvest, we also reduce the need for heavy machinery on the fields, which lowers our carbon footprint.
Additionally, the two-year rotation helps with managing pests and diseases. By leaving the grass to grow uninterrupted between harvests, we avoid some of the common issues that come with annual replanting, such as soil compaction and the spread of grass-related diseases. This, in turn, allows for healthier, more resilient crops that require fewer chemical inputs.

Environmental and Biodiversity Benefits
Our fields, left undisturbed for two years, provide a perfect environment for wildlife. Skylarks, for example, thrive in these long-term grasslands, as they prefer open fields where they can nest and rear their young. Hares also benefit from the undisturbed habitat, and the varied plant life that develops over the two years supports a wide range of insects and small mammals, promoting a balanced ecosystem.
This two-year rotation system also aligns with our focus on soil health and sustainable farming. By keeping the soil covered for longer periods, we prevent erosion and improve soil organic matter, which is crucial for maintaining long-term fertility.

Circular Economy: Grass Seed, Straw, and Livestock
Once we’ve harvested the grass seed in the summer, the straw is baled up and used as winter feed for our cattle. This creates a closed-loop system, where nothing goes to waste. The cattle not only benefit from the high-quality feed, but their manure is also bokashi-fermented and composted, before being spread back onto the land to nourish the next crop. This cycle helps us maintain soil fertility naturally, reducing the need for synthetic fertilisers and enhancing the overall sustainability of our farm.

In conclusion, the two-year rotation of grass seed at Lower Blakemere Farm allows us to maximise our yield while supporting wildlife, improving soil health, and contributing to a sustainable, circular farming system. By growing grass seed in this way, we’re able to produce two valuable products—high-quality grass seed for places like Wimbledon and top football grounds, and straw that helps feed our cattle—while minimising waste and reducing our environmental impact.