Species rich meadows are rare in Britain and most have disappeared during the last 100 years or so as a result of farming intensification. There are a few excellent flower-rich grass lands remaining in the parish that owe their existence to sympathetic owners and occupiers. These are amongst the real wildlife 'gems' of East Bridgford and they are so obviously different and exciting when encountered because of their high biodiversity and attractive flowers that they are prime candidates to be considered as Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC). These meadows are major habitats for birds, small mammals and insects (especially butterflies and grasshoppers).
In the distant past the Parish of East Bridgford would have been covered with mixed deciduous forest dominated by oak, ash and elm with an understorey of field maple, cherries, and other shrubs underlain with a carpet of flowering plants. Many centuries of farming have created today's landscape in which only pockets of woodland remains, mostly along the River Trent escarpment. There is scope for woodland creation and enhancement
Pasture is grazed by cattle, horses and sheep. Cattle are grazed mostly on flood meadow land close to the River Trent. Horses are grazed on numerous small pastures, especially near to the village. Most pastures have been 'improved' over recent years and this has reduced their biodiversity and wildlife interest. Some pasture, that was obviously grazed in the past, but no longer, is showing evidence of neglect as it has been invaded by scrub of blackthorn, hawthorn and dog rose.
Apart from the River Trent and its adjacent flood land there are few wetlands in the parish and the elevated 'ridge' is bereft except for a few excavated 'dew ponds'. There are no permanent streams flowing through the parish. As a result, all areas of open water and marsh are very important features for biodiversity and wildlife conservation.
The parish contains an abundance of linear, marginal habitats associated with green lanes, roads, fields and gardens. These vary in size and importance for wildlife and biodiversity but all make a contribution. In general, fields used intensively for arable farming have the poorest quality hedges and least diverse verges. In contrast, the network of green lanes acts as a reservoir of wildlife and biodiversity, and provides corridors along which animals can feed and migrate.
For more information please email info@eastbridgfordwildlife.org.uk.