Upton Ham
Unimproved hay meadows such as those found on this Plantlife nature reserve are now extremely scarce throughout Britain. Over 98% of wild flower meadows have been destroyed in England and Wales since the 1930s.
Upton Ham ©Simon Williams/Plantlife
The importance of the meadows at Upton Ham is reflected in their official designation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Species found in the meadows include Great Burnet, Meadow Foxtail, Red Fescue, Meadow Saffron, Narrow-leaved Water-dropwort, Mousetail, and the unusual Small-flowered Winter-cress on the bare banks of the Severn. The meadows are also important for breeding waders including redshank and curlew.
What to see and when
April: Wood Anemone
May: Meadow Buttercup
June: Common Meadow-rue, Narrow-leaved Water-dropwort
July: Meadow Crane's-bill, Great Burnet, Pepper-saxifrage, Common Bistort, Parsley Water-dropwort
September: Meadow Saffron
The traditional pattern of management is still employed at Upton Ham, with the meadows being cut for hay in the summer and then grazed to provide ideal conditions in which the wild flowers can flourish.
Location: Little Malvern, Hereford and Worcester. Grid Reference: SO 860 400
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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