Stony Stratford 3

The Parks Trust only acquired this field in 2011. Its previous use was as a paddock although there are no records of how intensively it was used and whether it has been seeded and/or subject to any artificial inputs.

The site is very patchy (2017). It has very species rich areas of short-sward communities allied to MG5 vegetation. There are 5 main species of grass thawt dominate this site inlcuding red fescue (up to 50% cover). 25 forbs are present including meadow saxifrage. Thistles and ragwort however are also present reflecting its past use as a pony paddock. Much of the site has "islands" covered with nettles, sow thistles, and cow parsley; evidence of higher soil fertility.