 It is a traditionally managed lowland hay-meadow, or "lammas land", and is grazed "in common" between 12 August and 12 February each year, and cut for hay no earlier than 1 July.This pattern of land use and management has existed for many centuries and has resulted in the species rich grassland flora and fauna present on the site.Over 250 species of higher plant occur in the meadow, but it is of particular note as it holds by far the largest British population of the snake's-head fritillary ("Fritillaria meleagris").