Whelford Meadow

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Whelford Meadow
Site of Special Scientific Interest
Carex tomentosa inflorescence.jpg
Example - downy-fruited sedge (Carex tomentosa)
Gloucestershire UK location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Location within Gloucestershire
Location Gloucestershire
Grid reference SP168000
Coordinates 51°41′56″N1°45′27″W / 51.698946°N 1.757592°W / 51.698946; -1.757592 Coordinates: 51°41′56″N1°45′27″W / 51.698946°N 1.757592°W / 51.698946; -1.757592
InterestBiological
Area1.86 hectare
Notification 1985
Natural England website

Whelford Meadow (grid reference SP168000 ) is a 1.86-hectare (4.6-acre) biological Site of Special Scientific Interest in Gloucestershire, England, notified in 1985. [1] [2]

Contents

Location and habitat

The site lies on the gravels of the Upper Thames basin. It is of significant importance as it contains two nationally rare plants as well as uncommon plants. It is grassland (as its name implies). [1]

Whelford Pools (part of the Cotswold Water Park SSSI) are nearby. These are owned and managed by the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust as a nature reserve.

Flora

The meadow is dominated by species such as meadowsweet and common couch. A number of different species of sedge have been record and these include the nationally rare downey-fruited sedge (Carex tomentosa). Orchids present include southern marsh orchid. Adder's tongue flourishes on this site. The meadow supports fritillary which is nationally rare. [1]

Birds

The margins of the meadow are scrubland and this area provides cover for breeding birds such as warblers. [1]

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References

SSSI Source