Olchon Farm Meadows

Also within

Herefordshire County

Condition (Natural England)

Geology & landscape

Rock Type: Sandstone

Description

Description An example of the ancient unimproved upland pastures, which were once a characteristic feature of this district but are now scarce owing to changes in agricultural practice. The two meadows lie on soils derived from the Old Red Sandstone and present an interesting contrast. The main meadow has traditionally been managed for hay and aftermath grazing and lies on a north east facing slope above the Olchon brook. The dominant grasses are sweet vernal grass Anthoxanthum odoratum, red fescue Festuca rubra, common bent Agrostis capillaris and slender brome Bromus lepidus. The herbaceous flora is outstandingly rich and includes meadow saffron Colchicum autumnale, bitter vetch Lathyrus montanus, bistort Polygonum bistorta and devil’s bit scabious Succisa pratensis as well as a number of plants of globe flower Trollius europaeus at one of its most southerly sites in Britain. The second field lies on the opposite side of the brook further upstream and is used as a pasture. It is wetter and has a contrasting flora. The plants occurring here include greater butterfly orchid Platanthera chlorantha, burnet saxifrage Pimpinella saxifraga and betony Betonica officinalis. The site is bordered by a brook and hedgerows with their own rich and varied flora and fauna adding to the overall conservation value.

Species mentioned