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Meadows protection bid launched Meadows protection bid launched
(about 3 hours later)
Scientists at the Open University (OU) are leading a project to monitor flood plain meadows in a bid to protect and restore them for the future.Scientists at the Open University (OU) are leading a project to monitor flood plain meadows in a bid to protect and restore them for the future.
Some 98% of the meadows, which are rich in wildlife, have been lost since the 1950s and fewer than 2,500 acres (1,000 hectares) now remain.Some 98% of the meadows, which are rich in wildlife, have been lost since the 1950s and fewer than 2,500 acres (1,000 hectares) now remain.
Researchers say agricultural changes and urbanisation are to blame.Researchers say agricultural changes and urbanisation are to blame.
Over the next 10 years, the project will monitor the meadows' wildlife and consider how to halt their decline. Over the next 10 years the UK-wide project will monitor the meadows and consider how to halt their decline.
Before the 1950s, flood plain meadows were highly prized, with their rich soil providing an abundance of hay to feed farm animals over the winter.Before the 1950s, flood plain meadows were highly prized, with their rich soil providing an abundance of hay to feed farm animals over the winter.
But OU researchers say they still perform a crucial role - alleviating flooding through winter storage of floodwater as well as providing a habitat for a variety of wildlife.But OU researchers say they still perform a crucial role - alleviating flooding through winter storage of floodwater as well as providing a habitat for a variety of wildlife.
They are sensitive to the increasing burden of nutrients and pollution - from the wider river catchment and the atmosphere David GowingOpen UniversityThey are sensitive to the increasing burden of nutrients and pollution - from the wider river catchment and the atmosphere David GowingOpen University
The meadows are home to rare flowers, such as the snake's head fritillary, and are important breeding sites for wading birds such as curlew, snipe and redshank. The meadows - which are primarily found in England and Wales - are home to rare flowers, such as the snake's head fritillary, and are important breeding sites for wading birds such as curlew, snipe and redshank.
David Gowing, professor of botany at the OU, said the meadows were particularly vulnerable.David Gowing, professor of botany at the OU, said the meadows were particularly vulnerable.
"Due to their position on flood plains, they are particularly sensitive to changes in rainfall pattern."Due to their position on flood plains, they are particularly sensitive to changes in rainfall pattern.
"And being species-rich, they are sensitive to the increasing burden of nutrients and pollution - from the wider river catchment and the atmosphere.""And being species-rich, they are sensitive to the increasing burden of nutrients and pollution - from the wider river catchment and the atmosphere."
The Open University will work with the Environment Agency, Natural England, The Grasslands Trust, the Field Studies Council, The Wildlife Trusts and the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology on the project.The Open University will work with the Environment Agency, Natural England, The Grasslands Trust, the Field Studies Council, The Wildlife Trusts and the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology on the project.