Sylvia's Meadow facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
Sylvia's Meadow in summer
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| Area of Search | Cornwall |
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| Coordinates | 50°30′55″N 4°14′26″W / 50.5153°N 4.2406°W |
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 4.46 hectares (0.0446 km2; 0.0172 sq mi) |
| Notification | 1992 |
Sylvia's Meadow is a very special nature reserve. It is located near Gunnislake in East Cornwall, England. This beautiful meadow is owned and cared for by the Cornwall Wildlife Trust. It is a "Site of Special Scientific Interest" (SSSI). This means it is a protected area because of its unique plants and animals. The meadow is about 5 hectares (12 acres) in size.
Contents
Discover Sylvia's Meadow
The Story of Sylvia's Meadow
Sylvia's Meadow has an interesting past. During World War II, a camp for American soldiers was located here. Another group of American airmen stayed in a nearby field. After the war, the land was left untouched. It was never ploughed or changed for farming. This makes Sylvia's Meadow very rare in Cornwall. Most other meadows have been changed over time.
The meadow was officially named a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1992. This gave it special protection. The reserve gets its name from the daughter of a past owner.
Plants and Animals of the Meadow
Sylvia's Meadow is a fantastic example of a natural grassland. It has not been improved by humans. This allows many rare plant species to grow here.
Amazing Plants
The meadow is famous for its beautiful orchids. These include the delicate lesser butterfly orchid. You can also find the lovely heath spotted orchid. Other special plants that grow here are:
- autumn ladies'-tresses
- sneezewort
- yellow rattle
- bird's foot trefoil
Wonderful Wildlife
Many different butterflies flutter around Sylvia's Meadow. Keep an eye out for:
- wall butterflies
- orange tip butterflies
- dingy skipper butterflies
- common blue butterflies
You might also spot some reptiles. These include the quick common lizard. The gentle slow worm also lives here.
