Thorpe Hay Meadow facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
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| Area of Search | Surrey |
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| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 6.4 hectares (16 acres) |
| Notification | 1985 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Thorpe Hay Meadow is a special place in Surrey, England. It is a large area of grassland, about the size of nine football fields (6.4 hectares). This meadow is very important because it is one of the last remaining examples of a traditional hay meadow in the Thames Valley. It is protected to keep its unique plants safe. The Surrey Wildlife Trust looks after this beautiful natural spot.
Contents
What is Thorpe Hay Meadow?
Thorpe Hay Meadow is known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it is a very important area for nature. The government protects these sites because they have rare plants, animals, or special types of habitats. Thorpe Hay Meadow was given this special protection in 1985.
Why is This Meadow Special?
This meadow is thought to be the last place in Surrey that still has a traditional Thames valley hay meadow. Hay meadows are grasslands that are cut for hay, usually once a year. This helps many different kinds of plants grow.
The soil here is a mix of acid and alkali, which is called neutral grassland. This type of soil is perfect for many different plants, especially those that like lime.
Amazing Plants You Can Find
Thorpe Hay Meadow is home to many interesting plants. Some of the most common grasses you will see are rough-stalked meadow grass and crested dog's-tail grass. You can also find lesser knapweed, which has purple, thistle-like flowers.
Rare and Unusual Flowers
Many other cool plants grow here too. Look out for yellow rattle, which gets its name from the rattling sound its seeds make. Meadow-fescue grass and meadow barley are also common. You might even spot smooth hawk's-beard or common reed. It is unusual to find common reed in such dry places.
One very special grass is meadow brome. It has only been seen in one other place in Surrey recently. Other frequent plants include meadow foxtail grass and Yorkshire-fog grass. You can also find pepper saxifrage and meadow-sweet, which has creamy-white flowers.
Plants That Love Lime
Because the soil has some lime, many plants that like lime (called calcicole species) grow here. These include:
- Meadow cranesbill, with its pretty blue-purple flowers.
- Clustered bell-flower, which has bell-shaped flowers grouped together.
- Cowslip, a bright yellow flower often seen in spring.
- Hoary plantain, with its furry leaves.
- Salad burnet, which has small, reddish flowers.
- Lady's bedstraw, with its tiny yellow flowers.
The Hedges and Ditches
The meadow is surrounded by old hedges. These hedges are like natural fences made of many different types of trees and bushes. You can find:
- Ash trees
- Hawthorn bushes
- Field maple trees
- Spindle bushes
- Dogwood bushes
- Buckthorn bushes
Along two sides of the meadow, there is a drainage ditch. This ditch is home to five different types of willow trees, including purple willow and almond willow. Other plants that love water grow here too, such as common comfrey and ragged robin. You might even find cyperus sedge and a rare water plant called Riccia fluitans.
Visiting Thorpe Hay Meadow
There is a footpath that goes through Thorpe Hay Meadow. It starts from Staines-upon-Thames. This makes it easy for people to visit and enjoy this beautiful and important natural area.
