Seaton Meadows
Seaton Meadows lie on a flat area of land beneath the Welland Viaduct and represent one of the last surviving remnants of unimproved flood meadow in Rutland. The reserve is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), in recognition of its importance for wildlife.
Tufted vetch at Seaton Meadows
©Peter Wilson/Plantlife
Large areas of the reserve are prone to flooding during the winter, and these areas are characterised by species such as Great Burnet, Meadowsweet, Meadow Vetchling and Greater Bird’s-foot-trefoil.
Some areas of the reserve are on higher ground, so escape regular flooding and these areas support a different suite of species including Pignut, Lady’s Bedstraw and Oxeye Daisy. The reserve is also home to a number of bird species including meadow pipit, snipe and skylark.
What to see and when
April: Marsh Marigold
May: Cuckooflower, Ragged-robin, Pignut
June: Yellow Rattle, Common Meadow-rue, Oxeye Daisy
July: The hay is usually cut around the middle of July, but in the first two weeks of this month you can see late flowering meadow species such as Black Knapweed, Meadowsweet, Pepper-saxifrage and Great Burnet.
The meadows are cut for hay in late summer, and the regrowth is then grazed by cattle or sheep. Livestock are removed before the winter months to prevent poaching damage to the sward.
Location: Near Harringworth, Rutland. Grid Reference: SP 915 979
links
Map and directions Click below to see the map and directions for the reserve
See how close this reserve is to the National Cycle Network. Click below to see the map
Further details
For further details contact the Plantlife Office or e-mail joe.costley@ plantlife.org.uk