ACCESS to a nationally important wildflower meadow at St Ann?s Chapel is being changed amid fears concerning its deterioration. Sylvia?s Meadow is a fine example of species-rich neutral unimproved grassland, a type of meadow now very rare in Cornwall with only one other comparable site in the whole of the county. The site is exceptionally rich in orchids, supporting eight different species. It has been designated a Site of Specific Scientific Interest and a County Wildlife Site. In recent years, the Cornwall Wildlife Trust says it has noticed a deterioration in the condition of the meadow, with fewer flowers being recorded each year. Grazing management on the site has been changed, but another likely cause for the decline is excessive trampling by visitors and their dogs, the trust said. For this reason, access arrangements have been changed and visitors are now requested to stay on paths and keep their dogs on leads. Peter Kent, East Cornwall reserves officer for the trust, said the meadow was an exceptionally important site for the county. ?We are concerned by the decline in the condition of the meadow over recent years. ?The reserve is a popular site with local people and we are appealing for their help to minimise the damage to the wildflowers by asking them to keep to the paths around the edge of the reserve,? he said. The trust is also looking for people who can help with the management of the meadow. Anyone interested is asked to contact Peter on 01579 351155.