The Meadow began as a mowed field planted with rye grass. It is normal practice to fertilise grass meadows like this and cut the grass two or three times a year for silage. This is very different from the traditional method which was to take a hay crop from the grass after it had seeded in July - only one cut a year. The new practice has resulted in a decline in many meadow dwelling animals and birds. If the grass is cut short for silage in early June, when birds such as the skylark are still nesting, nests are destroyed and chicks and eggs exposed.

Over the years some wildlife has returned to the meadow particularly butterflies, but more interestingly, because no fertiliser is used, the rye grass in the meadow has declined as the soil has become poorer. This has also led to many native grasses and wildflowers, which thrive in poorer soils, becoming established as it reverts to a 'natural' meadow.

The meadow is at it's best in June before it is cut.