A rare opportunity to get up close to two of Rothamsted’s world-famous ‘classical’ long-term experiments, which as well as supporting agricultural research are of considerable ecological and botanical interest.

Park Grass (established 1856) explores the effects of different nutrient and liming regimes on the diversity and performance of hay meadow floras, and is particularly impressive at this time of year prior to the first cut.

Broadbalk (established 1843) investigates the effects of nutrients and other agronomic practices on wheat production, and has a claim to being the most famous field in the world! One section has been maintained without use of herbicides and contains several nationally scarce arable weeds including Ranunculus arvensis (Corn Buttercup), Scandix pecten-veneris (Shepherd’s-needle) and Galium tricornutum (Corn Cleavers), the latter at its only remaining ‘native’ site in the UK.

If time permits there will also be a chance to visit heathland restoration projects on nearby Harpenden Common. Timing and meeting place to be confirmed, but Rothamsted is just south of Harpenden town centre beside the A1081.

For logistical reason there was a cap on attendees, and the meeting is now fully booked. To be put on the waiting list in the event of cancellations please contact i.denholm@herts.ac.uk.

This meeting is fully booked