In Wales, the reference state for lowland hay meadows is where the forbs are dominant over grasses and where bird’s-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) and common knapweed (Centaurea nigra) are locally common. In the richer examples, one or more of the less common species, such as Dyer’s greenweed (Genista tictoria) and greater butterfly orchid (Platanthera chlorantha) would also be present. Wood bitter vetch (Vicia orobus) might also be found in the better upland hay meadows, as in the image above.
