The field was formerly a part of the Nieuport estate, and with its past history, together with relatively fertile neutral soils, has produced an exceptionally varied herb-rich sward for such a small field. The drier areas of the meadow are characterised by crested dog's-tail grass with large amounts of common knapweed. Two scarcer species present are pale sedge and greater butterfly orchid. Large old hedgerows surround the meadow on all sides and these typically contain a good mixture of shrubby species, including hazel, hawthorn, blackthorn, bramble and wild rose. Clear streams border the meadow on three of its sides and numerous caddis and stonefly larvae are found here, together with mayfly nymphs and other aquatic invertebrates characteristic of oxygen-rich waters.
Walking information:
Entrance to the reserve is not restricted, but while the hay crop is growing in June and July or stock grazing, please keep to the edge of the meadow and also keep dogs under control. Some areas may be quite wet even in summer and waterproof footwear is advised. Please also keep the field entrance gate closed.
Grazing animals:
The reserve is often grazed by sheep or cattle following the hay cut
