Marsh/ Marshy Grassland

Between the low level meanders of the Derbyshire Wye River, that runs through Haddon’s Medieval Park, can be found marshes and marshy grassland / wetlands. These grasslands have high water tables and can be temporarily under water during periods of high rainfall or when the river floods.

Marshy grasslands were once widespread across England, but now only a small proportion remain and much of these have declined in their wildlife value due to improved drainage systems and the use of fertiliser and herbicide applications. Thus the organic marshy grasslands within the Medieval Park are of great importance.

Marshy grasslands are an incredible habitat for biodiversity. They create a much-needed breeding ground for wetland birds, such as Snipe and Lapwing, all of which are found within the park. These birds are particularly attracted to the area, as they enjoy the large number of invertebrates found in the soft damp soils, ditches and ponds which provide them and their chicks an important food source. The habitat is also used extensively by wintering wildfowl and by reptiles, such as grass snakes which feed on the amphibians, dragonflies and water voles which live and breed within the grasslands.

The marshy grasslands within the Medieval Park are very pretty and rich in wildflowers and butterflies. Within them can be found Marsh orchids, wild angelica, Meadowsweet, creeping bent, creeping buttercup, water mint, marsh thistle, greater bird’s-foot trefoil and meadow vetchling. All are interspersed with tufted hair grass, sharp flowered rushes and drier grassland herbs.