| Wildmoorway Meadows | |
| Aos: | Gloucestershire |
| Interest: | Biological |
| Coordinates: | 51.6749°N -1.9052°W |
| Area: | 12.6 hectare |
| Notifydate: | 1989 |
| Enref: | 1003112 |
Wildmoorway Meadows is a 12.6ha 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]
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]
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]