Ashton’s Meadow is a grassland surrounded by species rich hedgerows. It has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its grassland type, and wide range of wild flowers. The meadow was purchased by the Trust in 1985, and has been described as ‘the best example of a species rich neutral grassland in Nottinghamshire’ 

The reserve is an ancient meadow and has not been chemically treated or ploughed in recent times. The ancient ridges and furrows are clearly visible. This traditional meadow has a variety of flowers and grasses, including cowslip, green winged orchid, yellow rattle, pignut, adders tongue and oxeye daisy. Such unimproved pasture habitat is scarce in Nottinghamshire.

Management of the site is by traditional methods. The sword is allowed to grow throughout the spring and early summer, before being cut for hay in July. During the late summer and autumn the re-growing grassland is kept fairly short by grazing, and before Christmas the animals are removed. This system maintains the rich flora and allows a range of butterflies and moths to flourish.

Ashton’s Meadow is located 2km East of Treswell Wood in North Nottinghamshire. Visitors are asked to avoid trampling the hay crop (May to June), and disturbing grazing animals (August to February). The entrance at (SK787800) can be reached from South Leverton, along Rampton Lane (0.7km). A second entrance is at the opposite end of Rampton Lane, at Catchwater Drain Bridge east of Treswell. A public footpath crosses the site, running north south, just inside the western boundary.

If you would like further details about the reserve, or if you are interested in getting involved in the management of the site, please call the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust Office on 0115 958 8242.