TIXALL: Rawbones Meadow SSSI.
Low-lying grassland in a floodplain supporting wetland plants, amphibia and birds.
Access
The property on the attached map constitutes an important site for breeding waders, principally snipe. Direct public access to the field between 1 February and 31 July each year would result in significant disturbance to birds feeding, roosting or nesting during this period, which would be detrimental to their long-term conservation. Whilst English Nature consider that access would be acceptable during the remaining period of the year (1 August to 31 January), there would be little of ornithological or botanical interest for visitors to see and appreciate The elevated towpath of the Staffordshire and Worcester Canal, which forms the north western boundary of the property, provides the best possible location from which visitors may view the site. The towpath is raised some 2.5 metres above the field level and affords good views across the field, into drainage gripps and along field edge dykes and would be a preferred perspective for bird watching. Further, the canal bank is colonised by intermittent rank herbaceous vegetation and tree growth which serve to shield the visitor whilst providing sight lines into the field. The visitor is therefore afforded the opportunity to view the field whilst not disturbing its bird interest. This is further helped by the avoidance of direct access to the site. There are no public rights of way or permissive paths which enable access to the property.
The owner's binding undertakings
Until the person beneficially entitled to the property on the attached map dies or the property is disposed of, whether by sale or gift or otherwise, reasonable steps will be taken for the maintenance of the property, preservation of its character, and for securing reasonable access to the public. Until such an event the owner will comply with the terms of the Management Policy agreed with the Nature Conservancy Council on 11 March 1986 the principle elements of which are set out below. Management Policy Description A low-lying, permanent grassland in the flood plain of the river Sow with a plant community characteristic of wet alluvial meadows, an assemblage of widespread and common wetland plants with a few much more uncommon species such as yellow rattle. The flanking dykes support a further range of aquatic plant species. The seasonal occurrence of flooding and the location of th…