ANDOVER TREES UNITED WILDFLOWER MEADOW

Lowland calcareous grassland is thought to include some of our most ancient grasslands. Woodland clearance, which started during the Mesolithic Period (11,500 BC – 4000 BC), may have occurred first in areas where the woodland was sparse, such as on the thin, well-drained soils found over limestone.

Subsequent grazing prevented natural succession back to scrub and woodland and, together with the thin soils, discouraged more vigorous, bulky plants. Together with the warm, dry climate, this created conditions suitable for the characteristic flora and fauna we so appreciate today.