New Ing Meadow

Also within

Lancashire County Forest Of Bowland Scenic Area

Condition (Natural England)

Habitats

Fast flowing river and stream

Description

Description New Ing Meadow lies at an altitude of around 125 metres OD in the valley of a small tributary of the River Ribble, approximately 1.25 kilometres north of the village of Bolton by Bowland. It represents an important example of one of the few remaining herb rich hay meadows typical of this part of Lancashire. This vulnerable habitat has become increasingly scarce nationally and has almost been completely destroyed in Lancashire due to agricultural intensification. The plant community, which is remarkably uniform throughout the site, is co-dominated by sweet vernal grass Anthoxanthum odoratum, red fescue Festuca rubra, rough meadow grass Poa trivialis, meadow foxtail Alopecurus pratensis and perennial rye grass Lolium perenne. In addition, Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus, crested dog’s tail Cynosurus cristatus, cock’s foot Dactylis glomerata and soft brome Bromus hordeaceus sub sp. hordeaceus form common components of the sward. Although not particularly diverse a characteristic range of herb species is well represented within the community including great burnet Sanguisorba officinalis, yellow rattle Rhinanthus minor, sheep’s sorrel Rumex acetosa and meadow buttercup Ranunculus acris. The presence of species typical of old meadows such as pignut Conopodium majus, meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria, sneezewort Achillea ptarmica, common bistort Polygonum bistorta and lady’s mantle Alchemilla glabra indicate a general lack of agricultural improvement. The site is considered to be representative of the Bromus hordeaceus sub sp. hordeaceus sub community of the Anthoxanthum odoratum– Geranium sylvaticum community as described in the National Vegetation Classification. The interest of the meadow has been maintained by a traditional form of management including annual cuts for hay followed by aftermath grazing by cattle. Occasional dressings of slag in the past has resulted in the suppression of sedges Carex spp. This is a common feature of many grasslands in north Lancashire.

Species mentioned

Plant communities