About the reserve

Unimproved grassland

Woodsides Meadow is part of the internationally important Wendlebury Meads and Mansmoor Close SSSI, one of the largest continuous complexes of rich wildflower meadows. 

Here, there are still the medieval 'ridge and furrow' plough marks, testifying to the fact that the site has never been 'improved' by modern farming. Swathes of wild flowers appear in profusion each year, with over 100 plant species recorded, including pepper-saxifrage, betony and sneezewort. Green-winged orchid can be seen in spring on the drier ridges, while the damper conditions in the furrows support moisture-loving cuckooflower and ragged-robin. 

Birds and butterflies

Several species of butterflies may be seen, such as orange-tip, marbled white and white-letter hairstreak. Skylarks are seen regularly, and sightings of brown hare are common.