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Location: Near Inkberrow, Redditch, WorcestershireOS: SO 998 586
Habitat: Unimproved grassland, stream, marsh grassland, ponds
This attractive reserve consists of two small meadows within the former ancient Forest of Feckenham, and is managed by the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust on our behalf.
To access the site, you must arrange a guided walk or visit with the Trust.
Hidden away down narrow lanes, the meadows contain a wealth of wildflowers and other plant and animal wildlife, making them well worth the effort of arranging a visit.
While much of the area surrounding Stockwood Meadows has been intensively farmed, these old fields have survived. Worcestershire contains around a quarter of all the surviving meadows in England, but even here, destruction is continuing at an alarming rate. It has been estimated that well over half of all species-rich grassland in Worcestershire, present in 1978, had been damaged or destroyed by 1995.
Stockwood Meadows are a mosaic of neutral grassland types including both dry areas and damp hollows. The area also includes mature hedgerows, a small pond and a stream running through the length of one field.
The meadows are important for their plant communities which include Cowslip Primula Veris, Pepper-saxifrage Silaum silaus, Adder’s-tongue Fern Ophioglossum vulgatum, Saw-wort Serratula tinctoria, Yellow Rattle Rhinanthus minor, Salad Burnet Sanguisorba minor and a number of grasses typical of neutral meadows.
Spring and summer blooms in the smaller field include Common Spotted-orchid Dactylorhiza fuchsii, Green-winged Orchid Orchis morio, and Early Purple Orchids Orchis Mascula. Where the ground remains wet, Cuckooflower Cardamine Pratensis, Ragged-Robin Silene flos-cuculi and Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria flourish. Along the marshy stream edges, Yellow Iris Iris pseudacorus, Amphibious Bistort Persicaria amphibia and a number of sedges can be seen.
The hedges which mark the north-west and south-east boundaries may be ancient, as they are rich in woody species including Guelder-rose Viburnum opulus and trees such as Dogwood and Spindle.
Stockwood Meadows lie north-west of Inkberrow in Worcestershire. From Inkberrow take the A422, signposted to Stock Wood. At the T-junction turn left, the meadows are on the right.
The nearest train station is Pershore which is 6 miles from the reserve.
This reserve will only be accessible on by prior arrangement with Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, or on special open days, details of which will be notified by Plantlife and the Trust.
The meadows are cut for hay in late July after the plants have flowered and set seed.
The aftermath is grazed by cattle from September to late October. This course of management prevents the meadows being taken over by coarser grasses and scrub.
The meadows are managed by Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, and the purchase of this nature reserve was made possible by Timotei.
Looking up at a tall ancient pear tree in the meadows
A closer look at the branches of the ancient pear
A group of people gathered in a meadow during an open day at Stockwood Meadows
Ladies Bedstraw
24 Plantlife
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