Unspoiled grasslands given special protection

A Charnwood beauty spot rich in rare wildflowers is now protected for future generations after being declared a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Johnson’s Meadows, with its six and a half hectares (16 acres) of unspoiled grasslands, is also a haven for wildlife. Lying between the villages of Woodhouse Eaves and Woodhouse, south of Loughborough, it is one of several SSSIs in Charnwood Forest.

The meadows - encircled by tall, wide hedgerows - support an impressive variety of grasses, such as crested dogs-tail, red fescue and sweet vernal grass. Among them grow wildflowers including common knapweed, great burnet and meadow buttercup. Perhaps the most striking is the marsh orchid. Flowering from late May to early summer, it flourishes in the meadows.

The site also contains heritage features in the form of medieval ridge-and-furrow earthworks and the remains of a medieval settlement. These further demonstrate the antiquity of the grassland and conservation importance of the site.

The land has been handed down through the Johnson family for three generations. They continue to manage the meadows in a traditional and environmentally sympathetic manner.

Speaking as one, the Johnson family said: “We feel privileged to be the guardians of our meadows embracing our role to protect them. It’s exciting to meet and work with environmental experts and we look forward to encouraging more biodiversity to this wildlife haven, for future generations of the family to enjoy.”

Natural England will continue its partnership with owners of Johnson’s Meadows, both old and new, to promote and maintain positive management of the wildlife and the meadows.

The site joins more than 4,100 SSSIs that form the backbone of nature conservation in England. The country has seen a 97% decline in this rare type of habitat over the past 50 years.