Swettenham Meadows

Swettenham Meadows reserve is situated five miles from Holmes Chapel. The site was acquired by the Trust in 1987 as unimproved grassland. Unimproved grassland is a rare commodity in Cheshire, which has lost 99% of this habitat since 1939.

Access
Follow signs to Swettenham from the A535 (Chelford to Holmes Chapel) or the A34 (Alderley Edge to Congleton) or the A54 (Congleton to Holmes Chapel). Park in Swettenham village, taking care not to cause an obstruction. Walk back in an easterly direction about 150 yards from the bend in the lane and cross the stile on the left. Follow the public footpath across the field down to the footbridge over the brook to the reserve. The reserve is open at all times, please keep to the public footpath

Description
The site is botanically species rich having had a long history of lack of disturbance or improvement. The meadows are made up of several grassland and mire communities with drier grasslands on the upper slopes and sandy areas. The soils are a mix of glacial sands and clays. Water flows easily through the surface layers and is forced out onto the meadows surface when it reaches the impermeable clays thus creating a series of springs and wet flushes which are dominated by ‘water loving’ plants. The site also contains a series of ponds rich in aquatic invertebrate/amphibian life and a broadleaved semi-natural woodland dominated by alders, which makes up approximately 5 acres of the 21-acre site.

Bluebells and wood anemones carpet the woodland floor in spring. Whilst horsetails, stichworts, willowherbs, ragged robin, cuckooflower, common spotted and heath spotted orchids are amongst the vast array of plants to be found throughout the reserve. Throughout the summer months large numbers of hoverflies, bumblebees, moths and butterflies visit the site including the brimstone, painted lady, green-veined white and orange tip.

Several species of dragonfly/damselfly can be found on this site including the southern hawker, brown hawker, azure damselfly and the particularly attractive banded demoiselle.

A large number of frogs, toads and newts occupy this site including the great crested newt, which receives protection under Schedule 5 and 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981).

Six species of mammal have been recorded including the elusive water shrew.

A large number of birds breed on this site such as the blackcap, song thrush, mistle thrush and great spotted woodpecker. Buzzards can regularly be seen overhead riding the thermals.

Noctule and pipistrelle bats patrol the site by night searching for their insect prey.