In Oxfordshire, the floodplains of mainly the Thames, Cherwell and Ray have a very large area of surviving ancient hay meadows of high biodiversity and great rarity. They are also sites of stunning beauty when in peak flower, have a long and interesting cultural history and are important for pollinators and birds. 97% of such flower rich meadows have been lost since the 1930s.
The importance of the surviving meadows is reflected in designation as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (nationally important) with additionally a very large area near Oxford being designated a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). This designation recognises that the rarest type of floodplain meadow community (Great Burnet-Meadow Foxtail or MG4 in the National Vegetation Classification system) is important also in a European context.
The aim of the group is study and recording of meadow flora and fauna to inform management, combined with informal education about them and the encouragement of appreciation of the meadows through walks and talks. Such ancient meadows will be under increasing pressure in the future with predicted development growth in the county. The group is also a source of advice on re-creation or restoration of biodiverse floodplain meadow habitat locally.