Harnham Water Meadows overlooked by Salisbury Cathedral are probably the best known meadow irrigation system in England and date from about 1660. The drowning of the meadows is carried out by volunteers and this group of volunteers preserve the heritage of the water meadows. Early growth of grass on meadows by streams was important for flocks of sheep to complement those feeding on the poor quality grass found on the downs. A gentle flow of nutrient rich warm water over the surface of the meadows provided early grazing a month ahead of normal meadows.

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Photo credit: © Haydn Wheeler / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
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Keywords: drowning, harnham, irrigation, meadows, mwadows, water