Mottey Meadows National Nature Reserve

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Overview
Mottey Meadows NNR near the village of Wheaton Aston is one of the five best examples in the UK of a wildflower-rich floodplain meadow. The reserve is made up of a series of alluvial flood meadows which have been managed as hay meadows for many centuries. The reserve’s grassland supports over 240 species of flowering plants and grasses. Plants such as common meadow rue, yellow flag iris and water mint can be seen in the ditches and in the wetter meadows you will find cuckoo flower and marsh marigold. The star species on the reserve is the rare snake’s head fritillary, and Mottey Meadows is the most northerly site in England where it grows as a truly wild plant. The reserve supports a number of invertebrate species, including many species of butterflies and the rare horsetail weevil. Mottey Meadows is also home to breeding birds such as snipe, curlew and lapwing.
Location
WHEATON ASTON, ST19 9QA
About the area
Staffordshire features lofty moors, deep dales and tremendous views of both. Further south are the six sprawling towns that make up Stoke-on-Trent, which historically have had such an impact on Staffordshire’s fortunes, not to mention its culture and countryside.
Area image

Mottey Meadows National Nature Reserve

Recommended by Visit England Logo
Overview
Mottey Meadows NNR near the village of Wheaton Aston is one of the five best examples in the UK of a wildflower-rich floodplain meadow. The reserve is made up of a series of alluvial flood meadows which have been managed as hay meadows for many centuries. The reserve’s grassland supports over 240 species of flowering plants and grasses. Plants such as common meadow rue, yellow flag iris and water mint can be seen in the ditches and in the wetter meadows you will find cuckoo flower and marsh marigold. The star species on the reserve is the rare snake’s head fritillary, and Mottey Meadows is the most northerly site in England where it grows as a truly wild plant. The reserve supports a number of invertebrate species, including many species of butterflies and the rare horsetail weevil. Mottey Meadows is also home to breeding birds such as snipe, curlew and lapwing.
Location
WHEATON ASTON, ST19 9QA
About the area
Area image
Staffordshire features lofty moors, deep dales and tremendous views of both. Further south are the six sprawling towns that make up Stoke-on-Trent, which historically have had such an impact on Staffordshire’s fortunes, not to mention its culture and countryside.