Cocksfoot Grass

Cocksfoot grass (Dactylis glomerata) is common in Charlton Down Nature Area but it is only one of many grass species. Grass is not “just grass”, it is an important habitat and a food source for many creatures. That is why we try to give it as much respect and protection as any other type of plant living in our wild space. We would like to change the mindset of people who believe that grass needs to be controlled, tidied up, cut back, made neat. A very outdated concept in these current times of wildlife decline. This is a place where British native plants are encouraged to be natural and wild – as far as possible. We do need to cut pathways through our wild area for ease of access and to reduce random footfall through tall vegetation which needs to be undisturbed. Grass is also beautiful, especially when flowering as it is now.

Useful Books and Links

Common Grasses, Gardener and Roberts, Field Studies Council Fold-out Guide, OP136, 2010, ISBN 9781851532483.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dactylis_glomerata

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/plants/grasses-and-sedges/cocksfoot-grass/