[dog]

Hi all
I have a 2 acre paddock and no animals, and right now am not in a position to get any animals (and access isn't great so don't really want to rent it out).

I want to create a heaven for wildlife, So my question is, what is the best way to encourage wildlife.
Is it to let the paddock grass grow through the year, never cutting it. I did this last year and the grass grew in summer but mostly died down in the winter. Surely this must create the best habitat for animals to live, hedgehogs, caterpillars, butterflies etc??

But Is there a long term problem with this approach?   I.e. Will it one day get overgrown with weeds (there are not too many now).
Or
Is it better to cut it once or twice a year (I have a ride on mower with mulching deck).
I am new to this so would appreciate views.
Or, possibly could plant some fruit trees.

[Buttermilk]

I would mow some and leave some.  The mown areas are great for birds to move around on picking up bugs the left areas are shelter and nesting cover.  Do it in random tracks throughout the area so you can also walk around it and enjoy being there.  You will get weeds.  Weeds are only a plant out of place.  Go round regularly and using a hoe and fork chop down spear thistles, and dig up ragwort and docks so that the real undesirables are kept at bay.

[dog]

I was thinking about that approach, though I was thinking a large area uncut burnt maybe you are right and it is better to keep the longer grease in a few smaller areas. Removing weeds also sounds like a good idea.  Thanks for the help.

[Penninehillbilly]

My thought as I was reading this was mow paths meandering round, plant a few wildlife friendly native trees?
Walking round the path it's not so overwhelming to just deal with the odd (?) unwanted weed, as against walking through a 2 acre jungle.
Which reminds me, must get down and deal with the thistles :- (.
Just reread your post, fruit trees sounds good, i think you have to keep the grass down round them, esp. as they establish.