Hay Meadows: A Burst of Summer Colour

Once a familiar sight across Britain, hay meadows are now rare treasures, found only in small pockets of grassland. These traditional meadows, bursting with life, are at their peak in June and early July, when they come alive with colourful wildflowers and the hum of pollinators.

At the Severn Gorge Countryside Trust, we care for some truly special meadows, including the stunning Ropewalk Meadow in Coalbrookdale. This little gem is a haven for a variety of flowering plants, including the Common Spotted Orchid.

Keeping Meadows Blooming

To ensure these meadows continue to thrive, we work with local contractors to manage them using both traditional and modern methods. With the recent wet summers we have opted to produce haylage—a slightly different process to making hay—using modern machinery. By carefully timing the cutting to after the plants have seeded in July, we ensure the meadows remain rich and vibrant year after year.

Once the grass is cut and baled, we bring in our flock of Soay sheep for light grazing. They help to keep the meadows in perfect balance, supporting biodiversity and maintaining this special habitat.

Why Hay Meadows Matter

Hay meadows aren’t just beautiful—they’re vital ecosystems. They support a wide range of plants, insects, and animals, making them an essential part of our natural heritage. Every flower, from orchids to buttercups, plays a role in this delicate web of life.

Visit and Be Inspired

Come and explore the Trust’s meadows during the summer months, when they’re at their most vibrant. View fields filled with blooms, listen to the buzz of bees, and take in the timeless beauty of these rare landscapes.

By caring for these special places, we’re keeping a little piece of history alive—one hay meadow at a time.