The name “strewn meadow” may seem a bit confusing at first glance, but it is derived from the centuries-long use of this type of wet meadow: strewn meadows have always been mown once a year, although the mown material is not used as animal feed – that is what it is for unsuitable - but was and is used as bedding for the cattle stables. Mowing is traditionally only carried out in late autumn/winter.
What is a meadow?
A litter meadow is a species-rich wet meadow with nutrient-poor soil that is traditionally mown once a year. It is home to around 70 plant species per square meter as well as numerous small animals and birds and is used as bedding for livestock stables.
What is a meadow?
Scattered meadows are among the typical wet meadows that are found primarily in areas surrounding bodies of water and on moorland and clay soils. The rather lean, nutrient-poor soil is characteristic. Litter meadows are among the most species-rich natural areas in Central Europe and are not only home to an average of around 70 different plant species per square meter, but also numerous small animals and birds, especially amphibians and ground-nesting birds. Whinchats, lapwings, the tiny corncrake as well as reed buntings and marsh warblers are at home here, as are grass frogs and moor frogs - provided the ground is moist enough and offers sufficient hiding places thanks to dense vegetation.
Litter meadows are very rich in species
Litter meadows are always located on nutrient-poor soils, although the specific plant species found differ depending on the location and soil conditions. The typical plant species of a meadow include the various types of pipe grass, which is why this type of meadow is often referred to as a pipe grass meadow. In addition to numerous plants, birds and amphibians, rare butterflies also find their preferred food here. Due to the very limited agricultural uses, litter meadows - as well as all wet meadows - are in rapid decline, which in turn means that many animals and plants adapted to this habitat have become rare or are already threatened with extinction.
Typical plants of a meadow
Only a few characteristic plant species will be listed here; the actual diversity is of course many times higher. Furthermore, the actual occurrence of certain plants depends on the location, as some plants are only native to the foothills of the Alps and others only to the lowlands.
- various types of pipe grass
- various types of rushes
- Caraway-leaved Silge (Selinum carvifolia)
- Common devil's bite (Succisa pratensis)
- Great meadow button (Sanguisorba officinalis)
- Troll Flower (Trollius europaeus)
- Meadow knotweed (Polygonum bistorta)
- Swallowroot gentian (Gentiana asclepiadea)
- Bloodroot (Potentilla erecta)
- Red leek (Allium angulosum)
- Siberian iris (Iris sibirica)
Creating and maintaining a litter meadow
For the creation of a new litter meadow, naturally moist soil is suitable (e.g. on a lake, pond - also a garden pond - a stream or river), if possible in a depression. The water collects here and creates the necessary conditions. If, on the other hand, you want to create an artificial meadow on your garden pond, you should seal the bottom with a thick layer of loam or clay. Otherwise the floor is prepared as described:
- Remove all trees and shrubs.
- Mow the meadow as short as possible.
- Remove the clippings.
- Dig up the area thoroughly or, if the size is appropriate, work it with the plow.
- If necessary, incorporate sand and/or lime to slim down the soil.
- Loose up the soil with a rake/harrow or a harrow.
- Spread a seed mixture with meadow plants that are typical for your area.
Tips & Tricks
You can obtain appropriate seeds either from specialized online retailers or through so-called hay mulching. You spread fresh hay with ripe seeds from meadows in your area on the area to be sown and leave it there over the winter.