Saltersford Lane Meadows
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Condition (Natural England)
| Unit | Feature | Condition | Area (ha) | Assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SK082419 | — | Unfavourable Declining | 4.0 | 2018-02-19 |
Geology & landscape
Geological Period: Triassic
Description
Description Saltersford Lane Meadows is situated to the east of the village of Alton in north Staffordshire. The site encompasses two species rich meadows, both examples of a traditionally managed hay meadow. Such hay meadows are now uncommon in Staffordshire, having declined due to changes in agricultural practice. Both fields are undulating, but generally slope to the south. The soils are of variable drainage and nutrient status. They have been formed over Mercia Mudstones of the Triassic age. The grass dominated field to the west contains soils of varying drainage. This is reflected by the transitional nature of the plant communities, which exhibit similarities with both the traditionally managed, drier hay meadows and the hay meadows of seasonally flooded land. The major grasses of the drier areas are sweet vernal grass Anthoxanthum odoratum, meadow foxtail Alopecurus pratensis, creeping bent Agrostis stolonifera and crested dog's tail Cynosurus cristatus. The smaller areas of lower lying ground are dominated by sharp-flowered rush Juncus acutiflorus. Herbs present include yellow rattle Rhinanthus minor, great burnet Sanguisorba officinalis, common knapweed Centaurea nigra, common bird's foot trefoil Lotus corniculatus, greater bird's foot trefoil L. uliginosus, meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria and heath spotted orchid Dactylorhiza maculata. The drier sloping ground in the north east of this field supports a community in which pignut Conopodium majus, betony Betonica officinalis and devil's bit scabious Succisa pratensisare frequent. The vegetation of the eastern field is broadly similar to that of the western field. The sward is diverse in places and some areas are herb rather than grass dominated, with species such as common bird's foot trefoil and yellow rattle becoming abundant. The presence of downy oat grass Avenula pubescens, quaking grass Briza media and yellow oat grass Trisetum flavescens suggests more base rich soil conditions. The sloping area at the east of this field contains frequent great burnet. Other species which occur in this field which are uncommon in Staffordshire are common twayblade Neottia ovata, common spotted orchid Dactylorhiza fuchsii and adder's tongue Ophioglossum vulgatum.