Boddington Meadow, Upper Boddington
Boddington Meadow has never been ploughed and as a result retains much of its original wildlife. It is managed in a traditional way to encourage many less common species of plants, such as great burnet, pepper-saxifrage and pignut. In July, betony provides an impressive display of colour, while devil's-bit scabious exhibits its purple-blue flowers throughout the summer. The varied flora attracts a wide range of butterflies and insects. This meadow is still improving botanically and in full flower is a lovely sight, awash with colour.
Header image © Jane Pearman/Wildlife Trust BCN
Recipient Meadows
Species to spot
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Betony
Best time to see: June - Sept.
Long-living and slow-growing, this vivid magenta wild flower was used in the past as to protect against sorcery and - according to the Anglo Saxon Herbal - 'frightful nocturnal goblins'. Image © Plantlife/Andrew Gagg.
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Great burnet
Best time to see: April - Aug.
The bulbous, blood-red heads of this member of the rose family often indicate a floodplain meadow. The name burnet comes from the Old French for 'dark brown' - the same source as 'brunette'.
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Devil’s-bit scabious
Best time to see: June - Sept.
A pink pin-cushion-like flower which our ancestors believed cured scabies (hence "scabious"). It has short, stubby roots which - according to legend - were bitten off by the Devil to prevent its healing powers.
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Common knapweed
Best time to see: June - Sept
A thistle-like plant also known as 'black knapweed', although its flowers are actually bright pink. It is a popular source of nectar for the Red Admiral, Meadow Brown, Peacock, Painted Lady and many other butterflies.
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Barn owl
Best time to see: All year.
Its silent flight and piercing screech have earnt it names like 'ghost owl' and 'death owl'. Able to hunt both night and day its heart-shaped face directs high-frequency sounds, helping it to find its prey. Image © Les Binns.
Your pictures
Mary Clugston's embroidery of Boddington Meadow in her own words: "We saw what had once been a familiar sight in our landscape . . . a meadow full of life and colour"
Read more about her special discovery of Boddington Meadow here