The largest of four remaining snake’s head fritillary sites in Suffolk, this reserve is a fragment of ancient meadow. The plants thrive in a soil that is waterlogged in winter and displays of up to 300,000 nodding purple-chequered and white heads in mid April and early May are stunning.

Eighteen fritillary sites were known in Suffolk in 1889, but sadly most have been lost through drainage or ploughing. The fritillaries bloom alongside meadow flowers such as cowslip and cuckoo flower. In early July after the seeds have set, the meadow is mown for hay and then grazed by sheep. This helps to control vigorous grasses that would Grid otherwise smother the flowers.

The site gets its name from the Fox family who owned Boundary Farm between 1922 and 1976 and helped Suffolk Wildlife Trust buy the meadow.

Please note visits to this reserve are strictly by appointment only, telephone 01473 890089 to arrange. There is also an annual open day to view the meadow.

Other Trust reserves nearby: Martin’s Meadows, Mickfield Meadow

STAR SPECIES
Snake’s head fritillary