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A landscape abandoned by a generation of progress

Lanlay Meadows is one of the last areas of unimproved grasslands within the Vale of Glamorgan. Agricultural improvement of grasslands has intensified significantly since the 1930s. The result is the loss of many natural and semi-natural types of grassland. Lowland semi-natural grasslands of high conservation value such as Lanlay Meadows have become increasingly rare and fragmented.

The unique mixture of wet and dry meadows combined makes its range of plants, animals and insects wonderfully diverse. The picturesque River Ely meanders along the eastern border of Lanlay Meadows and the river bank is part of the Ely Valley Site of Special Scientific Interest. This is because the nationally rare Monk's-Hood grows here.

Grazing is an important part of the traditional management of Lanlay Meadows. Without it, the vegetation would soon become rank and we would eventually lose some of the plants that make this site so special.