File:Information board , Finemere Wood - geograph.org.uk - 480054.jpg

English: Information board , Finemere Wood. Finemere Wood is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) managed by the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust, see 408568. This information board is in a glade in the centre of Finemere Wood, see 953712, reads:

'Long Close. The lost meadow of Finemere Wood. Lowland meadows are examples of one of our most threatened and beautiful habitats. 97% of them have disappeared nationally since 1945. Given these dramatic losses, it is all the more important to restore this rare habitat where possible.

Old maps dating from 1820 show a long, thin meadow in the heart of Finemere Wood. After the First World War, like other woodland meadows, Long Close ceased to be grazed or cut and fell into neglect. Young trees and shrubs, known as scrub, gradually took over. In the 1960s, the Forestry Commission planted conifers. Some of these died and willow and blackthorn scrub replaced them.

Since 1989, BBONT has owned and managed the site. Volunteers are now cutting down the scrub to recreate the lost wet meadow. The area will be grazed by cattle to prevent the scrub from returning, and allowing wildflowers to flourish. Already wet meadow plants such as ragged-Robin, meadowsweet and water mint are appearing, as well as grizzled skipper and marbled white butterflies which prefer woodland clearings. Banded demoiselle dragonflies can also be seen, benefiting from the sunny clearings and the slow moving stream.

The water level of the meadon will be kept high in spring. This will encourage breeding waders such as woodcock, snipe and curlew which are at present limited to a handful of sites in Buckinghamshire.'