Howlands Meadow
Historically this area was unimproved grassland; it has been colonized by secondary woodland and scrub over the past forty years from the adjacent woodland of Commonswood. The largest boundary is formed by Hatfield Hyde Brook, commercial woodland with the remaining land adjacent to housing and a school site.
Remnants of the former species rich grassland were still remaining when the reserve was opened in May 1998. Management of the encroaching woodland and associated scrub has been carried out since then and approximately one hectare of grassland has now been restored. The remaining areas consist of ash / oak secondary woodland and ash coppice.
The grassland is managed for its invertebrate and flora interest with 27 species of butterflies and 157 species of plants recorded within it. The coppiced areas are managed on rotation and provide a very valuable habitat for woodland edge birds and migrant warblers. Coppice timber is produced for woodland crafts and hedge laying and compliments the management for wildlife. Management of the grassland is by winter grazing using Hebridean sheep.
