DEVON'S CORONATION MEADOW

HRH The Prince of Wales crowned Dunsdon National Nature Reserve near Holsworthy, north Devon, a Coronation Meadow in June 2013 - There will be one in every county across the UK to mark the The Queen's Coronation. One year on, with the meadow looking its very best, why not pay Dunsdon a visit to see why it won The Royal Seal of Approval! 

Coronation Meadows Project Manager, Dan Merrett explains: "Since the 1930's we have lost a staggering 97% of our wildflower-rich meadows and the colour and vibrancy that was once an everyday part of the rural summer is now a sight few of us ever see. Coronation Meadows are amongst the few remaining fragments and embody the often distinct character of each counties grassland heritage. Through the early summer months they give an unrivalled display of brilliance and beauty, bursting with life before they are cut for hay and grazed to secure the following years' display." 

Celebrate Dunsdon with a visit 

Until purchased by Devon Wildlife Trust in 2000, land at Dunsdon had been managed by the same family (the Hoppers) since 1927. Thanks to these decades of traditional management this meadow offers a snapshot of the past showing how the region once appeared - rich in rare and spectacular wildlife. A boardwalk and canal towpath offer access for all to part of the site, more footpaths run through the rougher grassland. The range of wild flowers ensures that there is always something in bloom from early summer right through to the end of September. Arguably the most important Culm grassland left in England; this habitat has declined sharply in extent since the 1970s and Dunsdon represents an important reservoir for the wildlife of this area. Dan Smith of Devon Wildlife Trust explains: "June is the best time of year to see one of the most glorious of north Devon's traditional flower-rich landscapes at its most colourful. Our Nature Reserve Discovery Day on Sun 15th includes guided walks around Dunsdon taking in the orchids and butterflies of the meadows as well as the new kilometre-long pond recently created in the dried-up Bude Canal. Longer walks take in the Canal and the restored meadows at DWT's Vealand Farm nature reserve two miles away. We'll also have drinks and homemade cakes for the end of your walk!" "It's not just the rare wildflowers that are waiting to wow you! If you love wildlife, this is the place to visit! Twenty six different butterfly species have been recorded here, including the beautiful marsh fritillary and you will also see dragonflies and damselflies. These insects thrive around the recently 're-wetted' stretch of the disused Bude Canal. Dunsdon is a bird spotter's paradise with over 70 species recorded. Barn owls use the site frequently as a feeding ground, and herons can be seen roosting in the trees. It's also home to foxes, roe deer and badgers, and the thick hedge banks also support dormice, feeding on hazel nuts and using honeysuckle as nesting material." 

Dunsdon: Not just a pretty place! 

Dunsdon is also a "donor" meadow which provides seed for the creation of new meadows at "recipient" sites in Devon, so new Coronation meadows will created. This will give much needed homes for bees, butterflies and other pollinators and will secure our wildflower heritage for the future. 

Devon Wildlife Trust, who own this reserve provide walking routes, including a 4-mile return walk to nearby DWT reserve Vealand Farm, on their website at www.devonwildlifetrust.org/reserve/Dunsdon/walks www.coronationmeadows.org.uk 

The Coronation Meadows Partnership is made up of Plantlife, The Wildlife Trusts and the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. HRH The Prince of Wales is Patron of all three charities. 

Lesser butterfly orchids are one of the rare species to be found at Devon's Coronation Meadow. Photo, Copyright Kevin New- All Rights Reserved