Turning the Beige Tide – Options for Managing Molinia on Dartmoor

The challenge of managing molinia is the topic of a special free workshop to be held at Morteonhampstead on the 6 June aimed at farmers, landowners and conservationists.Molinia caerula or Purple moor grass is associated with damp acidic soils in the uplands where it can form dense tussocks covering large tracts of land. Without management it can dominate other grassland species resulting in a mono culture to the detriment of grazing and some key species of wildlife. On Dartmoor molinia is a component of most moorland areas and is also found in rhos pastures (wet enclosed meadows within the valley systems).Over the past decade concerns have been expressed about the expansion of molinia on Dartmoor and the underlying reasons for its success. Amongst the likely factors are changes in traditional management practices and the impact of atmospheric pollution in the form of nitrogen deposition. This trend is not unique to the south west and many upland areas across the country are experiencing a similar increase in the abundance of molinia.Sandra Dodd of the Dartmoor Hill Farm Project said:‘Many farmers have noted an increase in molinia. This is best appreciated when viewing the high moor in the winter when its beige leaves really stand out. If it isn’t cut, grazed or swaled it becomes unpalatable to livestock and can quickly form a mono culture.’The morning workshop includes a range of speakers and will explore the factors underlying its spread and how best to manage it for both grazing and biodiversity. As well as representatives from Moorgate Vets, the RSPB and Butterfly Conservation local researcher Adrian Colston will also give an overview of his findings on this topic.Simon Phelps of Butterfly Conservation who is speaking at the event said:‘Dartmoor is a nationally important area for rhos pasture and this habitat hosts the rare and declining marsh fritillary butterfly, where it depends on the mix of molinia grass and devil’s-bit scabious plants. Managing these grassland areas can be quite challenging and achieving the desired level of molinia is a continuing issue for many farmers and conservationists on Dartmoor. Through this workshop we aim to explore this valuable habitat from multiple angles, looking at molinia itself, the wildlife it supports and different management options.’The morning session starts at 11am and there is a free lunch for attendees. In the afternoon there will be a field visit to a nearby farm to discuss management options. The workshop is free and places can be booked by contacting the Hill Farm Project on 01822 890913 or emailing hfp@dartmoor.gov.uk