Babcary Meadows

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Babcary Meadows
Area of Search Somerset
Grid Reference ST567293
Interest Biological
Area 13.6 hectares (31.6 acres)
Notification 1988
Location Map English Nature

Babcary Meadows (grid reference ST567293) is a 13.6 hectare (31.6 acre) biological Site of Special Scientific Interest in Somerset, notified in 1988.

Cuckoo Flower
Cuckoo Flower

Babcary Meadows is one of the last remaining areas of traditionally managed unimproved neutral grassland in south Somerset and contains a rich variety of herbs.

The site is positioned to the north of the River Cary at an altitude of 30m on flat and gently sloping ground. The plant community contains a very high proportion of herbaceous species. Areas immediately adjacent to the river bank are frequently waterlogged and contain numerous tussocks of Soft rush (Juncus effusus). Associated plants include Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), Cuckoo flower (Cardamine pratensis) and Common fleabane (Pulicaria dysenterica).[1]

Over two hundred species of flora have been recorded on the Somerset Wildlife Trust reserve, fourteen of which are classified 'notable species' in Somerset, and six of which are orchids. Badgers (Meles meles) and Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) frequent the reserve and it is probable that Otters (Lutra lutra) use the river corridor.[2]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Babcary Meadows. English Nature. Retrieved on 2006-08-12.
  2. ^ Babcary Meadows. Wildlife Trusts. Retrieved on 2006-08-12.

[edit] External links


Coordinates: 51.06139° N 2.61925° W