We held off the hay cut for as long as possible as it seems criminal to cut the meadow in the height of summer when the bees and butterflies are avidly feeding on the nectar and pollen. Our small plot yielded 17 large bales of hay. I know that in terms of the nutritional value of the hay it will be lower if cut later in the year but my priority is for the wildlife so happy at the compromise. I don't have livestock so I just arrange with those that do to take it away for free if they do the harvesting. Seems like a win win for all.
Excited to see how the meadow shapes up in year three and if I will need to make more regular cuts in the first few years to help reduce the fertility, all assuming I can bring myself to allow a much earlier cut!
