Grass expert, Barenbrug UK, has supplied its BAR 50 SOS grass seed mix for the UK’s only giant panda enclosure, at RZSS Edinburgh Zoo.

In the winter of 2011, when the pandas arrived in the UK, the custom-built enclosure needed a little help to maintain grass cover.

Simon Jones, Sustainability Manager at RZSS Edinburgh Zoo, explains more: “On a horticultural front, the two outdoor giant panda enclosures have lots of shade and clay substrate, which makes for poor plant drainage. Add the weight of two 100kg plus pandas padding around, and the ground becomes very compacted. Grass cover becomes more of a challenge.”

Simon turned to Dr David Greenshields, Barenbrug Research and Development Manager, for advice. Dr Greenshields commented: “We recommended BAR 50 SOS because of its ability to renovate permanent turf areas quickly and in very cold temperatures. It’s perfect for leisure and facilities professionals, who need a high-performance mix that solves specific challenges. Critical for people, like Simon, who have a limited establishment window.”

BAR 50 SOS is the successful selection of thousands of progeny from Barenbrug’s extensive breeding programme—and offers unprecedented, proven results. It germinates down to 3.5°C and grows faster than any other seed at low temperatures.

Simon added: “We sowed the entire enclosure and planted plenty of whip alder trees to soak up residual moisture. BAR 50 SOS roots deep and can handle shady conditions, so it’s as hardwearing as it is quick to establish. The enclosure is less boggy now and looks much better.”

The pandas, Tian Tian and Yang Guang – on loan from the Chinese government, since 2011 – are both under close scrutiny as the world eagerly awaits news of a potential pregnancy.