Large areas of parkland with sensitively managed meadows provide a nice contrast to the grazed areas at this diverse site. Some meadow areas are distinctly damp (look out for species such as Meadowsweet), and others are much drier (in spring, search for the Cowslips to help you find the dry calcareous grassland).
The site supports some unusual species, with rare grasses such as Upright Brome and Meadow Barley to be found. Meadow Barley is listed on the Flora (Protection) Order, 2022. The presence of Upright Brome helps to demarcate the extent of the EU Habitats Directive-listed ‘Species-rich Calcareous Grassland’. The beautiful Meadow Barley is found in damper areas of grassland, which are mostly managed as meadow, with one cut late in the season. At this site, not all areas are managed in the same way. Some are grazed, others are allowed to grow taller and wilder, and some areas are managed as shorter-flowering meadows. This ensures that there is a great diversity of grassland types and sward heights to be found.
While the woodland areas here are undoubtedly of value, a recent ecological study noted that the meadow areas are the most important of the semi-natural habitats within the demesne, particularly as they support rare grass species.
