MAGical Meadows are the wildflower-rich grasslands found on thin soils overlying Magnesian Limestone rock. In the UK Magnesian Limestone is restricted to a narrow band which stretches northwards from Nottinghamshire into Durham and Tyne & Wear.

The geographical position of the Magnesian Limestone acts an ecological bridge between the chalks and limestones of southern Britain and the limestones of northern Britain. As a result magnesian limestone grassland contains unique assemblages of both southern and northern calcareous (lime-loving) plants. Many of these plants are close to or at the limit of their natural growing range including Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera), Bird's-eye Primrose (Primula farinose) and Perennial Flax (Linum perenne).

Completely unique to east Durham and Tyne and Wear is the magnesian limestone grassland community containing Blue Moor-grass and Small Scabious (Sesleria caerulea - Scabiosa columbaria). This community is not found anywhere else in the world and is both nationally and internationally important.