Muston Meadows National Nature Reserve

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Overview
Muston Meadows NNR is one of the finest lowland meadows in England. The meadows are rich in plant life, with 33 types of grass and over 100 other species of flowering plant. The reserve is especially noted for its colony of over 10,000 rare green-winged orchids. The meadows contain a wealth of other wildlife, including invertebrates, amphibians and birds. The site also supports a variety of insects, including many butterflies and moths. Ponds – originally dug to provide water for grazing animals – are now home to dragonflies, frogs and the rare great-crested newt. Skylarks and meadow pipits build their nests in the long grass, while yellowhammers, linnets and whitethroats nest in hedgerows. There are large numbers of small mammals such as bank and field voles, and on summer evenings bats can be seen hunting for insects over the site. The best time to visit the site is during May, when the green-winged orchids are at their best.
About the area
Much of the fenland around the Wash has been drained of its marshes and reclaimed as highly productive farmland. Further north, the coastline, with its sandy beaches, has been developed to accommodate the holiday industry, with caravans, campsites and the usual seaside paraphernalia.
Area image

Muston Meadows National Nature Reserve

Recommended by Visit England Logo
Overview
Muston Meadows NNR is one of the finest lowland meadows in England. The meadows are rich in plant life, with 33 types of grass and over 100 other species of flowering plant. The reserve is especially noted for its colony of over 10,000 rare green-winged orchids. The meadows contain a wealth of other wildlife, including invertebrates, amphibians and birds. The site also supports a variety of insects, including many butterflies and moths. Ponds – originally dug to provide water for grazing animals – are now home to dragonflies, frogs and the rare great-crested newt. Skylarks and meadow pipits build their nests in the long grass, while yellowhammers, linnets and whitethroats nest in hedgerows. There are large numbers of small mammals such as bank and field voles, and on summer evenings bats can be seen hunting for insects over the site. The best time to visit the site is during May, when the green-winged orchids are at their best.
About the area
Area image
Much of the fenland around the Wash has been drained of its marshes and reclaimed as highly productive farmland. Further north, the coastline, with its sandy beaches, has been developed to accommodate the holiday industry, with caravans, campsites and the usual seaside paraphernalia.