Salmonsbury Meadows SSSI facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
Salmonsbury Meadows (part of Greystones Farm nature reserve)
|
|
| Area of Search | Gloucestershire |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 51°53′26″N 1°44′31″W / 51.890422°N 1.742034°W |
| Interest | Biological/Geological |
| Area | 18 hectare |
| Notification | 1985 |
Salmonsbury Meadows is a super important place for nature. It's an 18 hectare area in Gloucestershire, England. This special spot is called a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). That means it's protected because it has unique plants, animals, or geology. It became an SSSI in 1985.
The Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust owns and looks after Salmonsbury Meadows. It's part of their bigger Greystones Farm nature reserve. This reserve is near Bourton-on-the-Water in the beautiful Cotswolds area. The Trust bought the land in a few steps. They bought Salmonsbury Meadows first in 1999.
The whole Greystones Farm nature reserve is about 66 hectares. Two rivers flow through or near it. The River Eye runs right through the meadows. The River Dikler forms the eastern edge. You can explore the farm using public footpaths. The long-distance Oxfordshire Way walking trail also crosses the farm.
This area has a long history. It includes Salmonsbury Camp, which is an ancient site. It was once home to the Dobunni, a Celtic tribe from the Iron Age.
Contents
Amazing Hay Meadows
Salmonsbury Meadows has eleven special meadows. They grow on rich soil near where the River Eye and River Dikler meet. These meadows are some of the best and biggest traditional meadows left in the Cotswolds. They are divided by old hedges, some with large trees.
Meadow Plants and Flowers
These meadows are full of different plant species. You can find beautiful southern marsh orchids here. There are also early marsh orchids. Other colorful flowers include great burnet and cuckoo flower. Look for quaking grass, ragged robin, and pepper saxifrage. You might also spot meadow rue.
Wetland Wonders
Near the River Eye, you'll find plants that love water. These include bright yellow iris and sunny marsh marigold. You can also see meadowsweet growing there.
Animals of the Rivers
The rivers around Salmonsbury Meadows are home to amazing animals. Eurasian otters have been seen in nearby rivers. The River Eye is especially important. It has one of the last groups of water voles in the county. These small creatures are very special.
Looking After the Land
The SSSI meadows are carefully managed. Farmers cut hay from them each year. After the hay is cut, cattle graze in the fields. This helps keep the meadows healthy. Hay from the SSSI is sometimes spread in other areas of the farm. This helps new wildflowers grow there. The ancient Salmonsbury Camp is also protected. It is grazed lightly by animals to keep it safe.
