Wildmoorway Meadows
Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
![]() Example - Green-winged Orchid (Orchis Morio) | |
![]() ![]() Location within Gloucestershire | |
Location | Gloucestershire |
---|---|
Grid reference | SU066973 |
Coordinates | 51°40′30″N 1°54′19″W / 51.674881°N 1.905229°WCoordinates: 51°40′30″N 1°54′19″W / 51.674881°N 1.905229°W |
Interest | Biological |
Area | 12.6 hectare |
Notification | 1989 |
Natural England website |
Wildmoorway Meadows (grid reference SU066973) is a 12.6-hectare (31-acre) biological Site of Special Scientific Interest in Gloucestershire, to the east of Fairford, notified in 1989.[1][2] The site is listed in the 'Cotswold District' Local Plan 2001-2011 (on line) as a Key Wildlife Site (KWS).[3]
Location and habitat[]
The site is between the River Churn and the disused Thames and Severn Canal. It is on the alluvium and gravels of the Thames floodplain. It is made-up of a number of ancient, unimproved meadows and the old ridge and furrow remains visible. This is one of the largest remaining examples of its type in south-east Gloucestershire, and has been traditionally managed by hay cutting and grazing of stock.[1]
Flora[]
The grassland species include Crested Dog's-tail, Common Knapweed. There is an abundance of Quaking Grass and Sweet Vernal-grass. The species count of grasses and sedges is significant (more than 20). Typical herbs associated with old meadows are plentiful including Cowslip, Betony, Pepper Saxifrage and Ox-eye Daisy. Orchids include the Green-winged Orchid.[1]
Meadowsweet, Ragged-robin and Reed Canary-grass are recorded in the wet areas. Orchids include Southern Marsh Orchid.[1]
There is some scrub and individual old trees, particularly Black poplar, are present in the hedgerows.[1]
References[]
SSSI Source[]
- Natural England SSSI information on the citation
- Natural England SSSI information on the Wildmoorway Meadows unit
External links[]
- Natural England (SSSI information)
- Sites of Special Scientific Interest in Gloucestershire
- Sites of Special Scientific Interest notified in 1989
- Meadows in Gloucestershire
- English Site of Special Scientific Interest stubs