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Sneezewort |
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21st August was a very hot and sunny day when members of the Waterside Natural History Society explored Fletchwood Meadows, near Ashurst with Derek Jenkins the volunteer warden for this HWT reserve.
Covering some 13 acres, these are some of the last remaining meadows not to have been treated with chemicals and were purchased by HWT in 1985/86 for £30,000.
In Hampshire 90% of the meadows have disappeared making this an important site for large numbers of flowering plants and insects.
Naturally fields turn into woodland over a period of time and in the past 20 years the meadowland has been encroached by trees, shrubs, bracken and heather, which cause problems in the conservation of these ancient hay meadows.
The reserve entrance was by the top meadow which is acid and dry and the land slopes down towards Bartley Water which borders the wet, neutral meadows.
The river keeps these meadows damp and floods in winter. The contrasting habitats enabled a comparison of different plant species.
Sneezewort and large clumps of Devilsbit scabious were growing on the acid meadows, large clumps of gipsywort were growing by the river and a lone spindle tree was seen where the soil was neutral. Spindles are more at home on chalkland.
Other flowering plants included Common fleabane, Common mouse-ear,Eyebright, Field bindweed, Foxglove, Goldenrod, Quaking grass, Tormentil and Water mint.
Crickets were busy in the grass while pond skaters enjoyed Bartley Water. Spotted flycatchers were hawking among the shrubs as a buzzard soared overhead.
The meadows also support hornet wasps,beautiful demoiselle damselflies and southern hawker dragonflies. This was an interesting area to explore and merits a return visit next spring. A permit is required from Hampshire Wildlife Trust to gain entry to this reserve.
The Society’s next outdoor meeting will be on Sunday 18th September at Titchfield Haven to see birds (entrance fee charged). Meet 10.00am at Oak Road Car Park, Dibden Purlieu.
Strong footwear recommended. The next indoor meeting is on Monday 26th September when Martin Noble will talk on Deer of the New Forest.
Meet 7.30 pm , St Andrew’s Centre, Dibden Purlieu. Visitors very welcome at £2.00. Contact Felicity Beard 023 8089 7660 or Jill Bascombe 023 8084 5883 |
