AWEG explores a meadow

A select band of Audlem Wildlife & EcologyGroup (AWEG) members visited Melverley Meadows near Ash yesterday.

Big, high hedges crowned with mature oaks, ash and horse chestnut enclose small fields that hum with insects and brim with different grasses and flowers.

Old, flower-rich hay meadows rarely survive now outside nature reserves. Melverley Farm, amazingly, continued in its old-fashioned farming ways, right up until 1995, when the Shropshire Wildlife Trust bought it.

The meadows were farmed by the appropriately named Ivor Plant. Well, he has millions now and yesterday was a perfect day to explore the amazing variety. AWEG's experts spotted ninety different wildflower varieties in a couple of hours and doubtless there are many more.

The top photo by Celia Bloor shows pignut, yellowrattle, lesser stitchwort as well as red clover and buttercups. The bottom left photo is of the Common Spotted Orchid which was, well, very common.

Himalayan Balsam

Members have also been busy locally trying to prevent the spread of Himalayan Balsam (bottom right photo), a rampant invasive plant which has taken hold along Audlem Brook near to where it passes under Green Lane, the Audlem – Market Dayton road.

Half a dozen Himalayan Balsam pulling sessions have already taken place this year – it's vital to get it out before it flowers after which it pops and sends more seeds everywhere. Another session is planned for this Monday with plenty of clumps to choose from. 10.30am is the start time if you fancy an hour or so out on the pull.

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