About the reserve

Ail Meadow is a lowland pasture covering just over 14 acres with a number of rare county species including bog pimpernel (3 sites in Herefordshire), southern marsh orchid, flixweed and fen bedstraw. The meadow lies within the wonderful, wildlife-rich landscape of the Woolhope Dome, very close to our own Wessington Pasture Nature Reserve. Purchased in 2022, although already rich in many species of wildflower, it has the potential to be so much better though changing how the site is managed. 

Ail Meadow will be managed as a traditional hay meadow, with seasonal grazing, to enhance the sward and attach a wealth of wildlife. Ail Meadow is perfectly placed to provide a wonderful habitat for wildlife: close to a number of nature reserves and sympathetically managed meadows, woodlands and orchards. This helps to create a network for nature in the Woolhope Dome where species can move through the landscape easily to find food, shelter and mates.