Hardington Moor
Hardington Moor is a protected nature site in Somerset covering about 8.7 hectares of open meadows where many wild grasses and flowers grow. The land slopes gently with clay soil, and it is known for rare plants like French oat-grass and green-winged orchids that bloom in late spring.
The site was officially designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1994 to protect its natural plants and wildlife. Historically, the moor was used for grazing sheep and cattle like similar lands in the region, but it was never converted to intensive farming, allowing its original character to remain intact.
The name comes from the nearby village, and today it is cared for by conservation groups who keep the traditional farming methods that allowed wild plants to thrive. The site shows how the land can be shaped by human activity while remaining a home for countless species.
The site can be reached by car via small country roads, with the nearest train station about 2 kilometers away in Yeovil. Visitors should stay on marked paths to avoid damaging the delicate plants and disturbing wildlife.
French oat-grass grows in large numbers here, even though it is very rare in other parts of England. This special plant shows how the meadow has preserved a unique piece of natural landscape.
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