This pocket sized nature reserve on Brandon Industrial Estate, supports the largest colony of field wormwood in Britain. This rare plant has developed on the typically sandy soils of Breckland and its unscented yellow flowers appear in August and September. The seeds only germinate under special conditions and this, combined with creeping urban development and changes in agriculture, have contributed to its scarcity.

Look out for the pink flowers of sand catchfly, a species almost completely restricted to Suffolk. This little annual germinates in patches of open ground in autumn and flowers in early summer. Its tiny flowers are dwarfed by the large striped seed pod which make it easy to spot. Other plants to look out for are the nationally scarce bur medick, smooth cat’s-ear and bearded fescue.

Brandon Artemisia is no longer managed by Suffolk Wildlife Trust.  For any information please contact Forest Heath District Council on 01638 719214.

Other Trust reserves nearby:
Pashford Poors Fen, Wangford Warren

STAR SPECIES
Field wormwood
Sand catchfly