
WILDLIFE IN THE FENS
White Clover ( Trifolium repens ) A perennial, it is a member of the Legume family (Fabaceae). It is a major problem in the lawn due to it's low growth habit and trailing stems which root at nodes along their length forming a mat of bright green foliage that is very noticeable. It spreads mainly by seed. When the lawn is dry or poorly fed the clover thrives, it is able to fix it's own nitrogen in nodules on the roots. The leaves are compound, with 3 broad leaflets (sometimes 4, if you're lucky!) 1.3 - 2.5 cm long, with tiny teeth on the edges, a pale triangular mark appears on each leaflet. The 6 - 13 mm long pea-like flowers appear from May to September, are white or very pale pink on separate stalks from the leaves and with 40 to 100 flowers in 2 cm diameter, ball-shaped clusters. They turn brown with age. In drier regions it is included in lawn seed mixes as it keeps the lawn green if the grasses die back. Also in agriculture Clover is regarded as a nutritious herb which improves the quality of fodder and adds nitrogen to the soil. Rake the lawn before mowing, this will raise the runners to be cut. Water during drought and keep the grass well fed. If it is in bloom remove the mowings from the lawn, don't add them to the compost heap or use them for mulching. Lawn Sand applied in the spring works well as do selective weedkillers. The Lawn Sand contains Ferrous Sulphate and Ammonium Sulphate, which are both slightly acid, so as well as scorching the leaves it discourages the clover, which likes lime (alkaline conditions). Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) is a close relative.