Brerachan Meadows is a small, one-acre Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. It is a rare example of an upland hay meadow in Scotland, supporting a diverse array of plant life, including special plants like globeflower and lady's mantle. The meadow is managed through annual cutting and pony grazing to prevent grass from outcompeting wildflowers and to create bare patches of soil for seeds to grow.
Key Facts
Habitat:
It is one of the rare examples of an upland hay meadow in Scotland, which is a valuable habitat for a wide range of plants and insects.
Biodiversity:
The meadows are noted for a high diversity of plant species, including wildflowers, and are home to numerous insects and other wildlife.
Location:
Brerachan Meadows is situated near Pitlochry, alongside the Brerachan Water, in Highland Perthshire.
Management:
The Scottish Wildlife Trust manages the site, which involves annual hay cutting and grazing by ponies to maintain the habitat.
Pony Grazing:
Ponies are used as they graze close to the ground, removing large clumps of tufted grasses without harming the wildflowers. Their hooves also create bare earth, which is perfect for new seeds to germinate.
Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI):
It has been designated as an SSSI by NatureScot for its importance to nature conservation.
Key plant species found in Brerachan Meadows:
Flowers:
Bird's-foot Trefoil, Common Knapweed, Common Sorrel, Meadow Buttercup, Ribwort Plantain, Meadow Cranesbill, Betony, Cowslip, Ragged Robin, Angelica, and various Bellflowers, Orchids, and Forget-Me-Nots.
Grasses and Sedges:
Creeping Bentgrass, Foxtail grass, False Brome, Perennial Ryegrass, and various species of Sedge and Woodrush.
Trees and Shrubs:
Sycamore Maple, European Alder, Common Ivy, and wild Roses.
Other Notable Plants:
Common Water-Starwort, Lesser Skullcap, Devil's-bit Scabious, and Greater Bird's-foot Trefoil.
Habitat characteristics:
The meadows feature wet areas with characteristic wet meadow plants.
The presence of deep-rooted plants like Bird's-foot Trefoil helps the meadow thrive during dry periods and cold winters.