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]

Wildmoorway Meadows
Site of Special Scientific Interest
Example - Green-winged Orchid (Orchis Morio)
Wildmoorway Meadows is located in Gloucestershire
Wildmoorway Meadows
Location within Gloucestershire
LocationGloucestershire
Grid referenceSU066973
Coordinates51°40′30″N 1°54′19″W / 51.674881°N 1.905229°W / 51.674881; -1.905229
InterestBiological
Area12.6 hectare
Notification1989
Natural England website

Location and habitat

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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

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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

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SSSI Source

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