Sylvia's Meadow

Sylvia's Meadow, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, is a nature reserve owned and managed by Cornwall Wildlife Trust.[1] It is a herb rich, 5-hectare (12-acre) site situated near Gunnislake, in East Cornwall, England.

Sylvia's Meadow
Site of Special Scientific Interest
Sylvia's Meadow in summer
Location within Cornwall
Sylvia's Meadow (England)
Area of SearchCornwall
Grid referenceSX435591
Coordinates50.5153°N 4.2406°W / 50.5153; -4.2406
InterestBiological
Area4.46 hectares (0.0446 km2; 0.0172 sq mi)
Notification1992 (1992)
Natural England website

History

During World War II a US military camp was situated in Sylvia's Meadow which housed only white American armed forces personnel. Black American airmen were billeted in an adjacent field.[2] Since then the land has been left unploughed and unimproved. In this respect Sylvia's Meadow is virtually unique to Cornwall.[3]

The meadow was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1992.[3]

The reserve is named after a previous owner's daughter.

Flora and fauna

Sylvia's Meadow is an example of unimproved herb-rich pasture land containing some rare plant species.[3] It is famed for the orchids that grow there, which include the lesser butterfly orchid and heath spotted orchid.[1] Other species found here include: autumn ladies'-tresses, sneezewort, yellow rattle and bird's foot trefoil.

Butterflies that may be seen include wall, orange tip, dingy skipper and the common blue. Reptile sightings include the common lizard and the slow worm.

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References
  1. "Sylvia's Meadow". BBC. 28 May 2008. Retrieved 28 October 2011.
  2. Chapman, David (2007). Wild about Cornwall. Alison Hodge. ISBN 0-906720-51-6.
  3. "Sylvia's Meadow" (PDF). Natural England. 1992. Retrieved 28 October 2011.
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