North Curry Meadow facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
| Area of Search | Somerset |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 51°01′23″N 2°57′24″W / 51.02315°N 2.95666°W |
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 1.3 hectares (0.013 km2; 0.0050 sq mi) |
| Notification | 1989 |
North Curry Meadow is a special natural area in North Curry, Somerset, England. It covers about 1.3 hectares, which is roughly the size of two football fields. This site was officially recognized in 1989 as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's a very important place for nature and is protected by law.
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What is North Curry Meadow?
North Curry Meadow is a traditional hay meadow. This means it has been managed in the same way for many years, often by cutting hay late in the summer. This old way of farming helps many different kinds of plants and animals to thrive.
The meadow is full of various grasses and other flowering plants called herbs. These plants are typical of old, natural grasslands found in low-lying areas. It's like a living museum of plants that have been growing there for a very long time.
A Special Place for Plants
This meadow is home to some truly unique and rare plants. Its special conditions make it perfect for certain species that don't grow easily elsewhere.
The Corky-fruited Water-dropwort
One very rare plant found here is the Corky-fruited Water-dropwort (Oenanthe pimpinelloides). This plant is considered "nationally scarce," meaning there are not many places in the country where it grows. Its presence shows that North Curry Meadow has a specific type of grassland that is very important for biodiversity. This type of grassland is often found in the South West of England.
Beautiful Green-winged Orchids
You can also find a large number of Green-winged Orchids (Orchis morio) in the meadow. These beautiful flowers are a real highlight. They grow especially well here because of how the meadow is managed. The hay is cut later in the season, which gives these orchids enough time to grow, flower, and produce seeds before the grass is harvested. This careful timing helps their population grow year after year.
Protecting Our Natural World
North Curry Meadow is a great example of why we need to protect special natural places. By keeping areas like this safe, we help rare plants and animals survive. It also allows us to learn more about our natural environment and enjoy its beauty. Protecting these sites ensures that future generations can also experience the wonder of places like North Curry Meadow.
