meadow

A meadow is a field or tract of land where herbaceous vegetation, especially grasses and non-woody flowering plants, grows and is maintained through periodic mowing or grazing. Meadows are common in temperate regions and are often managed for hay production or as seasonal grazing land.

Hay meadows are typically managed to encourage diverse flowering and seed production, with the hay cut after plants have flowered. In contrast, permanent pastures are managed mainly for continuous forage through grazing, with less emphasis on flowering diversity. Wet or damp meadows occur on poorly drained soils and may require specific water-logging or drainage conditions to maintain their character.

Ecologically, meadows host a wide range of plant species that support insects, including pollinators, as well as birds and small mammals. The plant diversity and habitat structure of meadows provide services such as pollination, soil stabilization, and biodiversity reserves. Soil fertility, drainage, and moisture influence meadow composition and management needs.

Management practices focus on maintaining botanical diversity and forage quality. Key aspects include appropriate mowing regimes and timing to allow seed set, removal of cut material for hay, and careful grazing to prevent overuse. Fertilizer use is usually minimized to preserve meadow species; some meadows undergo restoration with native grasses and forbs.

Conservation concerns arise from agricultural intensification, drainage, and conversion to arable land, which reduce meadow extent and biodiversity. Restoration efforts involve reviving traditional haymaking practices, reestablishing native plant communities, and creating habitat features that support pollinators and wildlife.