|
The Hay Meadows |
| 1.75 hectares of species rich grassland |
 |
Although this picture doesn't do it justice, the top meadow is particularly full of all 5 types of orchid that we have and many, many other wildflower species. |
When we first looked over Beechwood we knew the meadows would make the property very special but at that time we didn't realise quite how special. The collection of wild flowers and plants that appeared as spring got under way and then the proliferation in early summer were nothing short of extraordinary. This year the common twayblade is already starting to flower and heath spotted and common spotted orchids are preparing to come along afterwards. The survey sponsored by the DNPA last year for our Wealth of Wildlife folder, eventually showed up over 80 species of wildflowers and plants at Beechwood.
< Click here> for a full description of Dartmoor haymeadows
< Click here> to view the photos in the hay meadows gallery
|
Greater Butterfly Orchids
|
Guided Walks in 2007
As a result of a visit by the DNPA's ecologist Miriam Glendell, we are delighted that 4 guided walks will take place in our meadows in 2007.
< Click here> for further details
< Click here> for the species list.
|
""The meadows of Beechwood were a perfect delight this year (2006) with a profusion of orchids and other flowers and also butterflies and other insects." - J. Lavington-Evans
|
|
|
Dartmoor Hay Meadows
continued...
There are now an excellent variety of flowering plants to be found which are generally at their peak during June. Five varieties of orchids including greater butterfly orchid, common twayblade and early purple can be found besides many other species such as yellow rattle, ox-eye daisy, common knapweed, self heal, eyebright, bird’s foot trefoil, pignut and yarrow.
|
 Heath Spotted Orchids
|
To keep them at their best, these meadows need careful management, not being cut until August when most flowers have dropped their seed, and then grazed during autumn and early winter with sheep or cattle, as long as the ground is not too wet when it will be “poached” (made muddy) by cattle in particular,often resulting |
in a patch of docks. A small amount of cattle manure is added annually but no artificial fertilisers. |
In 2007 we entered into a management agreement with the Dartmooor National Park to maintain these unique meadows as species rich grassland, of which there are not many left.
<Back to Hay meadows> |
|
|
