Clifton Ings and Rawcliffe Meadows are traditionally-managed, wildflower-rich hay meadows on the floodplain of the River Ouse on the northern outskirts of York. These are nationally-important areas of meadow foxtail – great burnet grassland but, incredibly, lack any legal protection. In addition to their outstanding botanical interest, the meadows and their associated riverbanks, ditches, ponds and hedgerows support a rich invertebrate fauna including threatened species such as the Tansy Beetle and Necklace Ground-beetle.

Natural England have acknowledged that Clifton Ings and Rawcliffe Meadows should be designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, but we need your help in making this a priority.

Please write to: Natural England, Foundry House, 3 Millsands, Riverside Exchange, Sheffield, S3 8NH

Southern meadow (c) FoRM & Whitfield Benson 2013

Tansy beetle (c) FoRM & Whitfield Benson 2013