Theme 5 - Micro-diversity

Create variety at the small scale. In general many small bits of habitat are better than a few big chunks. This applies to nearly all habitats whether it is stubble or a pollen crop. Here are some ideas:

• Strips are better than square plots because they have more edge. Lots of animals live along the edges of habitats.
• Create variety by management. A wide grass buffer strip (EE3), for example, is best if it is not treated uniformly. Part could  be kept short by regular mowing - ideal for grazing animals like hares which like to feed on short vegetation. Another part can be left to grow long and rank - perfect cover for field voles, field mice and leverets.
• ELS options for wild bird seed mixtures (EF2 & 3) and pollen and nectar flower mixtures (EF4 & 5) require combinations of at least three species. But, do not just use one combination for these mixtures - use different ones designed for different purposes in different seasons.