Introduction
North Meadow is one of the finest examples of a lowland hay meadow in Europe. It has been managed through winter flooding, seasonal hay cuts and grazing since Saxon times. Prior to the introduction of artificial fertiliser, flood plain meadows were highly valuable lands due to river flooding providing fertile meadows ideal for getting a good hay crop. They would have been managed communally so that everyone got a share of the crop under a system called the Lammas Land System, administered by the Lord of the Manor.
Habitats
Seasonally flooded lowland hay meadow is the main important habitat for this site for which it is considered to be one of the best examples in the country.
Boundary ditches , species rich hedgerows, pollarded willows and scrub also have their own interest.
The river Thames and Churn run alongside the site.
Lowland Hay Meadow
The traditionally managed hay meadow communities are the main importance for this reserve. These communities vary with different grass and dominant plant species depending upon the extent of flooding. The drier areas have courser grasses and species like greater burnet and Snakeshead fritillary, whilst the damper parts have more typical meadow grasses and abundant Lady’s smock. Even wetter species are found in the disused ditch up the centre of the meadow.
Marginal habitats
These include ditches, areas of swamp, reedbeds, hedges and pollarded willows all of which provided variety an increase the wildlife value of the site.
River
Along the banks of the Rivers Thames and Churn can be found good riverside vegeation providing good sites for birds and insects. 17 species of fish have been recorded in the river and ditches.
Key species
Meadow plants
In spring the meadows are known for their snakeshead fritillary display, with the site holding 80% of the countries population of this attractive plant. These flower alongside marsh marigold and Lady’s smock. By June the site resembles a more typical damp hay meadow with greater burnet, oxeye daisies, meadow rue and meadow sweet.
Water vole
The vegetation around the banks of the rivers provide habitat for water and bank voles.
Breeding birds
Skylarks nest in the meadows whilst more common birds nest in the hedges, scrub and trees. The wet habitats around the edges of the site are home to reed buntings, grey wagtails and sedge warblers. Swallows and Martins feed on the rich invertebrate life.
Further info
Wiltshire’s NNRs:
Blog post:
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