Do you know the difference between hay and straw? Or what species are used to create both? Have you wondered how haystacks are made, or know that if hay is not dried properly it can spontaneously combust? Is a hay meadow the same as a grassland meadow? Did you know that when grassland is improved there is less flower diversity, and when it is unimproved there is more? How many of us are aware that conservationists are trying to turn back the clock, restore hay meadows to former states where biodiversity can thrive? Most importantly, have you experienced the beauty and romance of visiting a hay meadow in June before it is cut? If you are interested in answers about you can read all about the history of haymaking here and you can read about conservation of UK grassland here. In the meantime here are some artworks in the public domain.
