Hay Meadows

Flower-rich hay meadows provide a blaze of colour in high summer and are a haven for wildlife with commonly over 25 plant species per square metre. Upland hay meadows are internationally rare and Northumberland National Park has some of the best in Europe. Our hay meadows contain species such as wood cranesbill and yellow rattle.

For most of the year these meadows look the same as other fields but in June and July a visit will reward you with yellows and purples swaying in the breeze. Such hay meadows

were virtually eliminated from Northumberland National Park as a result of agricultural intensification which demanded more hay and silage to feed stock.

Recently National Park officers have been working with landowners to return to traditional management regimes that will hopefully bring back the flowers for future generations to enjoy.

More details about the habitat as well as threats and positive actions to improve it, can be found by downloading the Habitat Action Plan: Hay Meadows (21kb).

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