Flora of Long Meadow

The grassland of Long Meadow together with surrounding trees, hedges and stream supports over 150 species of flora. The latest full list is on the Monitoring page.

In early spring, the gold and blue flowers of the buttercups and Germander Speedwell stand out from the growing grasses. The white candle-like blooms of the horse chestnuts add to the welcoming impression, whilst along the Brook the yellow Lesser Celandine adds cheery colour.

By mid-summer, the grasses will have grown tall, their flowers undulating when a gentle breeze sweeps across the meadow. Other flora become more evident once the hay is cut: Ladies Bedstraw, Cat’s-ear and Autumn Hawkbit among them.

The grassland suffers from high nutrient levels. Over time we hope our management regime will reduce these, in turn spurring an increase in flora diversity. Each year the grassland’s flora is surveyed using standard methodologies to identify its composition across the Meadow.

One survey concentrates on plots surveyed each year as described here. A second aims to survey a spread of locations across the Meadow, with a summary overview here.

To date two species considered indicators of habitat considered important for conservation have been recorded. These “axiophytes” are Crosswort and Water Forget-me-not.

Other notable flora are:

• The range of grasses – with over 25 species present

• The elms, notably both mature trees and saplings in the south west corner

• The cluster of Cow Parsley surrounding the stately remains of a former sycamore tree

• Cuckooflower and Silverweed in the damper area around the central Lime tree

• Grass Vetchling

• Midland Hawthorn in the Park Lane hedge.

Once a line of horse chestnuts ran beside the Park Lane hedge. Approaching 200 years old, these are succumbing to disease. The “avenue” will be retained but with Oak, Sweet Chestnut and Small-leaved Limes, all of similar stature to the trees they replace.