grassland - Alan's Almanac

Stockbridge Down, a beautiful grassland site for rare wildflowers, butterflies, and moths

Posted on 28/09/202128/09/2021 by Alan

Stockbridge Down is one of my favourite local nature reserves. There are amazing views of farmland and villages below with soaring red kites and buzzards above and greater for rare wildflowers, butterflies and moths. The site is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), managed by The National Trust as a grassland site for rare…

Rodborough Common, a herb-rich limestone grassland, Site of Special Scientific Interest, Special Area of Conservation and owned by the National Trust

Posted on 01/07/202121/11/2021 by Alan

Rodborough Common is a 116-hectare site situated on the outskirts of Stroud, Gloucestershire. The site is now owned by The National Trust and was cited as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 1954. The site is also a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), in part because of its herb-rich limestone grassland. The common…

Anton Lakes – an urban paradise

Posted on 26/01/202126/01/2021 by Alan

Local residents will be aware of Anton Lakes Nature Reserve. Despite its size and urban setting, there is a variety of important habitats, ranging from lakes to grassland. Wetlands provide ideal conditions for plants like the aromatic meadowsweet, water avens, marsh valerian, and cuckoo flower (foodplant of the orange-tip butterfly). There is a variety of…