The meadow
The meadow runs through the centre of Porthkerry Park and has
been grassland since medieval times.
A spring-fed stream runs along the western edge of the meadow
and has a fantastic range of invertebrate and aquatic plant life
(including reed mace, water parsnip and various mints). There is
also a breeding toad population.
The stream is used in spring and summer for pond dipping with
local schools. There is a large population of toads.
Two margins, one on the north and one on the south side are
managed differently to encourage wildlife
- The northern margin is kept as a spring wildflower meadow. One
cut is taken each year and the cuttings are removed. Several mature
oaks and a number of younger trees are planted here - many of which
are memorials
- The southern margin is kept as woodland fringe, where tree
planting schemes have taken place and left to naturalise
Click for
larger map of Porthkerry