Martin's Meadows
These three meadows are among the few flower-rich hay meadows still left in Suffolk. As they have never been fertilised, sprayed or drained, the site supports a wide range of wildflowers. To maintain the meadows’ diversity managment is by a summer hay cut followed by aftermath grazing.
In spring and early summer, visitors can enjoy superb displays of wildflowers, including early-purple, green-winged and pyramidal orchids. In autumn the meadows bloom once more, this time with meadow saffron.
Most of the hedges enclosing the site are hundreds of years old and contain many different species of trees and shrubs including field maple, hazel, hawthorn and spindle. They are maintained by rotational coppicing or laying, in which sections are periodically cut to the ground, encouraging them to re-grow and thicken to produce a dense hedge that is good for wildlife.
Paul Chapman is the volunteer warden at Martin's meadow - click here to visit his website for reserve news and in depth species information.
The dedication of volunteer wardens makes a substantial difference to the work of the Trust. Volunteering information.
Special dates for your diaries
Best time to visit
April–June, Sept
Reserve contact
susan.stone@
suffolkwildlifetrust.org01473 890089
Voluntary Reserve Warden
Paul Chapman
paulechapman@
btinternet.com
- Address
Clopton
Map › - Grid reference
TM 228572 - Map
OS Landranger 156 - Parking
On the entrance track, but please ensure gateway remains free. Please note ground conditions can be soft during wet periods - Size
3.9 hectares (9.75 acres) - Walking conditions
Ground conditions can be very wet - Access
To avoid damage to the flora and hay crop, please keep to the edge of the meadow - Dogs
Dogs on leads welcome - Status
SSSI - Site of Special Scientific InterestA site of national importance identified by Natural England for its ecological or geological value.
