Daily entries from the 17th century London diary
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Originally posted under Brampton.
Brampton (Port Holme Meadows)
From the “Nature Atlas of Great Britain”
Dry/Wet meadow.
The river Ouse forks to run either side of this remarkable ancient meadow. It has been managed for hay in much the same way for centuries, allowing a wonderful range of wild flowers to prosper.
The footpaths, one of which runs along a route used by nuns at Hinchingbrooke, first cross dry meadow grassland characterised by lady’s bedstraw, great burnet and pepper-saxifrage. In mid-summer the distinctive sound of yellow rattle seed heads will be heard as you brush past them. Wetter, lower lying parts in the middle have tubular water-dropwort, meadowsweet and marsh ragwort.
The river supports dragonflies including the scarce chaser. May and June are the best.
Flowers include fritillary, great yellow-cress, and meadow cranesbill. Birds include the corn bunting.
see Brampton http://www.pepysdiary.com/p/1768.php
“…Portholme and viewed all the fields, which was very pleasant….” Lots of comment.
http://www.pepysdiary.com/archive/1661/07/14/#c20922