“First class. Ancient meadow flowers give this site a Shakespearean quality.”

These three small meadows are among the few flower-rich hay meadows still left in Suffolk. As they have never been fertilised, sprayed or drained, the site is brimming with wildflowers. To make sure it stays this way, the meadows are managed by taking a hay cut in July and grazing the late summer growth in autumn.

In spring and early summer visitors can enjoy superb displays of wildflowers, including early-purple, green-winged and pyramidal orchids. Cowslips are plentiful and the rare snake’s head fritillary can be found in the damper areas. In autumn the meadows bloom once more, this time with meadow saffron - a plant associated with ancient grasslands.

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 coppicing, in which sections are periodically cut to the ground, encouraging them to regrow to produce a dense, long living hedge.

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, with their help we can care for much larger areas for local wildlife. Volunteering opportunities.

Rare meadow saffron flowers in autumn

Two small orchards have been restored and planted with local varieties of fruit trees including apple, plum, pear and medlar.

Other Trust reserves nearby: Fox Fritillary Meadow

Local varieties of apple grow in the old orchard

Local fruit trees can be planted at Martin's Meadow in memory of a loved one. Your donation of £50 or £100 if you would like a dedicated plaque, will help us safegaurd Martin's Meadow for the future.

Please contact Kerry Stranix or telephone 01473 890089 for more information.