Birds

Large meadow sites can support important populations of breeding wading birds such as snipe, lapwing and wintering wildfowl. Many of these species have undergone significant declines in the last 20 years, and floodplain meadows can hold significant and important populations.

Meadow hedgerows are an important method to contain grazing animals, and provide valuable habitat for smaller hedgerow birds feeding on buds and seeds.

Such grasslands can also provide breeding habitat for skylark and corn bunting, both of which have undergone a rapid decline over the last 25 years and are now species of conservation concern.

Follow the link to find out more about birds in hay meadows.