Monkspath Meadow facts for kids

Monkspath Meadow is a special natural area in the West Midlands. It's a very old hay meadow, which means it's been used to grow hay for a long, long time. This meadow is so important that it's officially called a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This title helps protect it because it has unique plants and animals.

What is a Site of Special Scientific Interest?

A Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is a place that has special plants, animals, or geology. It's protected by law to keep it safe. Monkspath Meadow was given this special protection in 1986. This was done under a law called the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

History of Monkspath Meadow

Monkspath Meadow has been a hay meadow for over 800 years! Imagine, it's been around since medieval times. It hasn't been ploughed for at least 200 years. This means its soil and plants are very old and undisturbed.

Saving the Meadow

In 1986, there were plans to build a new supermarket and garden centre on the meadow. This would have destroyed this special place. But local people and groups like the Warwickshire Nature Conservation Trust worked hard to save it.

They managed to protect more than half of the meadow from being built on. A small part of the meadow, about 1 acre (0.4 hectares), was carefully moved. Its soil and plants were relocated to a new site at Temple Balsall. This was done by moving 9-inch (23 cm) deep sections of turf.

Plants and Animals of the Meadow

Today, Monkspath Meadow is managed by Notcutts Garden Centre. They work with English Nature to keep it healthy. The meadow is home to many different kinds of plants and animals. Over 150 species have been found here!

Grasses and Wildflowers

You can find many types of grasses in the meadow. These include:

• Common bent (Agrostis capillaris)
• Red fescue (Festuca rubra)
• Yorkshire fog (Holcus lanatus)
• Tufted hair-grass (Deschampsia cespitosa)

The meadow also has beautiful wildflowers, called herbs. Some of these are:

• Cowslip (Primula veris)
• Betony (Stachys officinalis)
• Great burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis)
• Dyer's greenweed (Genista tinctoria)
• Meadow thistle (Cirsium dissectum)
• Saw-wort (Serratula tinctoria)
• Heath grass (Danthonia decumbens)
• Heath spotted orchid (Dactylorhiza maculata)
• Common spotted orchid (Dactylorhiza maculata)

Butterflies of the Meadow

The meadow is also a great place for butterflies. You might see:

• Small heath (Coenonympha pamphilus)
• Meadow brown (Maniola jurtina)
• Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

Visiting Monkspath Meadow

The meadow is open to the public on one or two weekends each year. These visits are guided by the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust. Local schools are also encouraged to visit for field trips. It's a great way to learn about nature!