| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
  Location within Somerset | |
| Location | Somerset |
|---|---|
| Grid reference | ST567293 |
| Coordinates | 51°03′41″N2°37′09″W / 51.06139°N 2.61925°W /51.06139; -2.61925 |
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 13.6 hectares (0.136 km2; 0.053 sq mi) |
| Notification | 1988 |
| Natural England website | |
Babcary Meadows (grid referenceST567293) is a 13.6 hectares (34 acres)biological Site of Special Scientific Interest north ofBabcary inSomerset,notified in 1988.
Babcary Meadows is one of the last remaining areas of traditionally managed unimproved neutralgrassland in south Somerset and contains a rich variety ofherbs.
The site is positioned to the north of theRiver Cary at an altitude of 30 metres (98 ft) on flat and gently sloping ground. The plant community contains a very high proportion of herbaceous species. Areas immediately adjacent to the river bank are frequently waterlogged and contain numerous tussocks ofSoft rush (Juncus effusus). Associated plants includeMeadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria),Cuckoo flower (Cardamine pratensis) andCommon fleabane (Pulicaria dysenterica).[1]
Over two hundred species of flora have been recorded on the 12 hectares (30 acres)Somerset Wildlife Trust reserve, fourteen of which are classified 'notable species' in Somerset, and six of which areorchids.Badgers (Meles meles) andRoe deer (Capreolus capreolus) frequent the reserve and it is probable thatOtters (Lutra lutra) use the river corridor.[2] The site was purchased by the trust following grant assistance fromSouth Somerset Council.[3]