King's species-rich wildflower meadow cut back in scything

THE King's wildflower meadow at Highgrove has undergone its annual scything.

- 

Mowers and members of the Scythe Association of Britain & Ireland were pictured cutting back the species-rich plot at Charles's Gloucestershire estate this week as the end of the summer approaches.

The King is known to be a fan of the traditional country craft and has in the past turned his hand to the skill.

The age old practice, of using a tool with a long curved blade to cut meadows by hand in a low sweeping motion, produces a closer cut to the ground, allowing for better seed germination and maintaining biodiversity while providing crucial winter fodder for livestock.