Grassington meadows, Wharfedale
The small market town of Grassington is the main town and tourist centre in Upper Wharfedale, it is also home to some spectacular hay meadows.
Meadows on the Grassington Park Estate have a very wide range of wildflowers and grasses, including Great Burnet, Lady’s Mantle, Common Knapweed, Eyebright, Devil’s-bit Scabious, Ox-eye Daisy, Rough Hawkbit, Water Avens, Meadowsweet, Wood Crane’s-bill, Cat’s-ear, Melancholy Thistle, Sneezewort, Wood Anemone, Sweet Vernal-grass and Quaking Grass. These meadows are in the grounds of what was Grassington Hospital. The buildings became derelict and were demolished in 1996 to make way for new housing and the meadows are now cared for by residents.
Grassington meadows walk
The best time to visit a meadow is in June, as most of the wildflowers will be flowering by then. Bear in mind that hay cutting usually starts around mid July depending on the weather. Meadows provide winter fodder for livestock so please stay on the public rights of way and walk in single file (there is no ‘right to roam’ through meadows).
Download the Grassington meadows walk guide
Species to spot: Great Burnet, Lady’s Mantle, Common Knapweed, Eyebright, Devil’s-bit Scabious, Ox-eye Daisy, Rough Hawkbit, Water Avens, Meadowsweet, Wood Crane’s-bill, Cat’s-ear, Melancholy Thistle, Sneezewort, Wood Anemone, Sweet Vernal-grass and Quaking Grass.
Help save our bees
60% of bees and other pollinators are in decline - and the most significant reason for this decline is the loss of wildflower-rich habitats. Make a donation or give a Living Bouquet wildflower gift and help us create more meadows for our precious pollinators.
