This beautiful example of a damp lowland meadow is located at Springhill House, on the outskirts of Moneymore. It is a vision restored through the passion of the previous Area Ranger. Through conservation management she allowed a regularly cut grassland to flourish into a rich and biodiverse meadow which historically existed on the estate. This meadow has winding paths cut through it allowing access for walkers and wheels alike, maintained throughout May, June and July. This meadow is in it’s best show late June/early July with over 40 individual species, including wide coverage of Yellow-Rattle, Common Spotted-orchid, and Bugle. If pollinators are your thing, you can expect to see plenty of butterflies, bees and hoverflies throughout the meadow, all busy at work. Wildflower seed is gathered from this meadow using a brush harvester in August before it is cut. These seeds are being used to create future meadows in other spaces at Springhill for everyone to enjoy.
Springhill
on the Grasslands Trail
In summer, the meadow is a riot of colour with Common Spotted-orchids, Yellow-rattle, Meadow Vetchling and Meadowsweet providing essential food for pollinators. In autumn, fascinating fungi can be found in the meadow and grasslands among the autumn leaves.
Úinéir:
National Trust
Rochtain:
Usually publically accessible year-round
Méid:
1 ha of unimproved wildflower-rich meadow, within 31 ha estate
Páirceáil:
yes
Caifé:
yes, check website for opening hours
Leithris:
yes
Cur Síos
Bainistíocht
The meadow is mown in September each year, with the cuttings removed.
Cá háit le tuilleadh eolais a fháil
The National Trust