Babcary Meadows

Infobox SSSI


name=Babcary Meadows
aos=Somerset
interest=Biological
gridref=gbmappingsmall|ST567293
area=13.6 hectares (31.6 acres)
notifydate=1988

http://www.natureonthemap.org.uk/map.aspx?
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Babcary Meadows (gbmapping|ST567293) is a 13.6 hectare (31.6 acre) biological Site of Special Scientific Interest in Somerset, notified in 1988.Babcary Meadows is one of the last remaining areas of traditionally managed unimproved neutral grassland in south Somerset and contains a rich variety of herbs.

The site is positioned to the north of the River Cary at an altitude of 30m on flat and gently sloping ground. The plant community contains a very high proportion of herbaceous species. Areas immediately adjacent to the river bank are frequently waterlogged and contain numerous tussocks of Soft rush ("Juncus effusus"). Associated plants include Meadowsweet ("Filipendula ulmaria"), Cuckoo flower ("Cardamine pratensis") and Common fleabane ("Pulicaria dysenterica"). [cite web | title=Babcary Meadows | work=English Nature | url=http://www.english-nature.org.uk/citation/citation_photo/1000690.pdf | accessdate=2006-08-12]

Over two hundred species of flora have been recorded on the Somerset Wildlife Trust reserve, fourteen of which are classified 'notable species' in Somerset, and six of which are orchids. Badgers ("Meles meles") and Roe deer ("Capreolus capreolus") frequent the reserve and it is probable that Otters ("Lutra lutra") use the river corridor. [cite web | title=Babcary Meadows | work=Wildlife Trusts | url=http://www.somersetwildlife.org/reserve_78.php | accessdate=2006-08-12]

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