Chertsey MeadsChertsey Meads is a Council owned public open space of approximately 71 hectares, which lies between the River Thames and River Bourne, half a kilometre east of Chertsey town at the end of Mead Lane. (Grid ref. TQ059664). The Meads also provide a home to a diverse range of birds, a total of 108 species have been recorded over a number of years. These include birds typical of farmland such as Bullfinch, Lesser Whitethroat and Skylark. Also found here are species that use the reed beds like the Reed Bunting, Sedge Warbler and Reed Warbler. The Meads have traditionally been managed as a hay meadow and were grazed by cattle until about 35 years ago. Since 1938 the area has also been managed for its recreation potential. In 1975, English Nature designated part of the area as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) describing it as 'the only remaining Thames flood meadow of botanical importance'. Before the River Thames levels were controlled, the entire site would have naturally flooded. This deposited calcium carbonate onto the site, which has been a factor in creating the unusual sward found here with several species that are normally found in chalky regions e.g. Meadow Crane's-bill and Clustered Bellflower.
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