Let the Water Meadow Plants Grow on You

Wild, wet meadows such as Ballard Water Meadow are great for wildflowers. Such areas are able to support many types of plant, including a wide range of grasses. Look carefully as you walk through these water meadows on the outskirts of New Milton and you will see rye grass, fescues and a wide range of wild grasses.

The real stars in this beautiful Hampshire conservation area are, of course the flowers. Starting with glorious blossoms in early spring, the year produces a constant display of thistles, orchids, buttercups, daisies, Ragged Robin, Hemlock and Foxgloves, among many, many others.

In early summer, the orchids are particularly beautiful and Ballard Water Meadow is particularly lucky to boast examples of the Southern Marsh Orchid and the Common Spotted Orchid. You will notice that, at this time, areas of the water meadow will be fenced off and this is to protect the main areas of orchids.

Later in the year, Hemlock Water-Dropwort becomes more dominant, so much so that the Friends of Ballard Water Meadow have to keep them cut back so they do not crowd out other, more delicate, flowers. It is at this time the range of other flowers start to show; look out for Ragged Robin, thistles, foxgloves and buttercups. If you want to know what these look like, there is a lectern part way up the water meadows that shows photographs.

These are only a few of the colourful natives on the water meadow, so take the time and have fun seeing how many different species you can find.

You are more than welcome to carefully look at the flowers and grasses and take photographs, but please do not remove or damage any as, apart from such actions being illegal, you will be denying others the opportunity to enjoy these beautiful plants.

Come back each year to see which new species appear as we restore the water meadows. If you see any new examples, please feel free to contact the Friends to let us know what you have found.