Alpine Meadow
A fine piece of chalk grassland in a wooded valley within the unspoilt Ashridge Woodlands.
| The chalk grassland is rich in wildflowers and butterflies from spring to autumn. Primroses flourish around the woodland edge in spring and, later on, mouse-ear hawkweed, fairy flax and common spotted orchids can be seen. The warm sloping grassland attracts many insects in the summer, including the marbled white butterfly which is uncommon in Hertfordshire. The woodland to the south of the meadow supports birds such as green woodpeckers, finches and goldcrests which can be seen busily feeding in the winter months. Alpine Meadow is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The Trust works with the owners, the National Trust, on its management. |
| The species rich grassland is maintained by being cut and raked by the Wildlife Trust twice a year. The tree line on the southern side is gradually being pushed back to encourage more grassland. |
Alpine Meadow Spring 2010
Now that spring has arrived a visit to Alpine Meadow is a very pleasant experience. Primroses have appeared in large numbers, being later this year due to the cold weather.
The first common lizards to be seen this year were sighted at the beginning of March and there have been many other sightings since. A visit fairly early in the morning on a sunny day should provide some excellent views as the lizards are still sluggish and will be basking on logs or ant hills to warm up. Groups of four, five or even six lizards have been seen together, sharing the same log. Both photos were taken at the reserve, so get searching!
The unusual adders tongue fern has started to appear and can be found in damper areas of the meadow, usually where there is some shade and longer grass.
Brimstone butterflies have been seen over the past week and other species such as the peacock should be seen on warm days. The last of the management work took place this month before the summer, so over the next few months the grassland will start to spring to life as wildflowers begin to grow and more butterflies appear.
