Meadow is city's best wildlife site

MORE than 600 species of plants and animals - some of which haven't been seen in the region for over 200 years - have been recorded in the latest study of Leicester's Aylestone Meadows nature reserve.

The survey, which was carried out by Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust and local naturalists, has confirmed that Aylestone Meadows is the best wildlife site in Leicester, providing a home to over 600 species of flora and fauna, including 336 different plant species. 

Notable and rare species which were discovered during the survey include the slender spike rush, which has not been recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland since 1800, and the rapidly-declining tubular water-dropwort. 

A large number of species which are indicators of good-quality grasslands, such as meadow saxifrage, lady’s bedstraw and common meadow-rue, were also found.  

The survey's exciting results come almost a year after the decision by Leicester city councillors to reject controversial plans for football pitches on part of the area.

The results will now be used to help plan future management of the nature reserve and nearby areas.
  
It is the latest stage of work involving the Wildlife Trust, the city council and local people to protect and enhance the reserve.

The first stage of work included an extensive survey of most of the reserve last summer, mainly looking at habitats and plants as well as some fauna.

Leicester City Mayor, Peter Soulsby, said: "These results show how important a decision we took to reject plans which would have seen some of this unique meadow destroyed in favour of building football pitches.

"Local people have known it as a haven for all sorts of wildlife for many years, but this survey shows just what an astonishing variety of rare and exceptional plants and animals can be found there."