Frog End Meadow
Also within
Condition (Natural England)
| Unit | Feature | Condition | Area (ha) | Assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SO649634 | — | Favourable | 1.7 | 2011-06-17 |
Geology & landscape
Rock Type: Sandstone
Description
Area, 1.5 ha. 3.7 ac. Description Frog End Meadow is a traditionally managed hay meadow near Tenbury Wells. It lies on neutral soils derived from the underlying Old Red Sandstone. This is a type of herb rich neutral grassland, characterised by crested dog’s tail Cynosurus cristatus and common knapweed Centaurea nigra, which is now nationally restricted. In addition to the characteristic meadow species a number of plants more typical of woodland also occur. The site also includes wetter areas dominated by rushes Juncus spp. The dominant grasses in the sward are red fescue Festuca rubra, common bent Agrostis capillaris, sweet vernal grass Anthoxanthum odoratum and crested dog’s tail. Characteristic herbs of traditional hay meadows that are also present include cowslip Primula veris, meadow vetchling Lathyrus pratensis and pepper saxifrage Silaum silaus. The meadow also has several species which are locally uncommon in Worcestershire such as dyer’s greenweed Genista tinctoria, adder’s tongue Ophioglossum vulgatum and common spotted orchid Dactylorhiza fuchsii. A particular feature of this meadow is the presence of a number of species more typical of woodlands. Wild daffodil Narcissus pseudonarcissus and bitter vetch Lathyrus montanus are abundant throughout the meadow. Other woodland species include common twayblade Neottia ovata, wood anemone Anemone nemorosa and bugle Ajuga reptans. The woodland species within the site make it most unusual in the context of the county since it contrasts with other hay meadows to the south where woodland species are largely absent. Some small wetter areas occur in the eastern part of the site. These are dominated by jointed rush Juncus articulatus with some compact rush Juncus conglomeratus. Other species associated with the damper conditions include lousewort Pedicularis sylvatica, greater bird’s foot trefoil Lotus pedunculatus and ragged-robin Silene flos-cuculi. The meadow is surrounded by hedges which contain pollarded trees of ash Fraxinus excelsior, alder Alnus glutinosa and willow Salix sp.