Published: Thursday, 6th August 2026
A community-led conservation project took place this week at The Willows in Downham Market, showcasing the benefits of traditional grassland management using a scythe.
This is an age-old, low‑impact technique that is once again proving its value for modern biodiversity recovery. Experts in traditional scything joined the council Biodiversity Officer and volunteers from the Downham Market Wildlife Group to cut and collect the summer sward using a scythe, a traditional method that forms neat windrows and allows the forage to dry naturally into hay.
Cllr Michael de Whalley, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity, explained the benefit of doing this:
“Unlike standard mechanical cutting, which leaves cuttings to rot down and enrich the soil, this method removes the material entirely, reducing soil fertility and creating the ideal conditions for wildflowers and diverse plant species to thrive.
“This approach is quiet, fuel‑free, and gentle on ground‑nesting wildlife. By lowering nutrient levels and preventing dense grass growth, scything helps open up the meadow, encouraging a wider range of species and improving the ecological health of the site year after year. This project is an excellent example of two of our council’s key priorities to protect our environment and support of local communities.”
The Willows has historically been cut but not collected, resulting in a species‑poor meadow. Today’s project marks the beginning of a long‑term shift in how the area will be managed. As part of this commitment, The Willows site will be managed in co-operation with the Borough Council, Norfolk Wildlife Trust and Downham Wildlife Group. The Council will continue to oversee management but Downham Market Wildlife Group will lead on future conservation work and continue restoring the site’s natural richness.
Over the coming years, this traditional method is expected to bring visible improvements to the grassland, with increases in wildflowers, pollinator activity, and overall plant diversity. The project highlights how heritage techniques can play a vital role in modern environmental stewardship and how community involvement can help make local green spaces even more special.