“A rare jewel in an arable agricultural landscape.”

Mickfield Meadow – which became Suffolk’s first nature reserve in 1923 – is a stunning flower-rich hay meadow that has never been sprayed or fertilised. As a result it contains a host of wildflowers many of which are now scarce inSuffolk. To maintain this rich flora, the meadow is managed in the traditional way by taking a hay cut in July and then grazing the late summer growth in the autumn.

The unusual mix of plants growing here adds to its botanicalinterest. In parts of the meadow you can see goldilocks buttercup and the low growing wood anemone – both plants more usually associated with ancient woodlands. In the wetter parts look for marshland flowers like ragged-robin, meadowsweet and the beautiful snake’s head fritillary –one of only four sites in Suffolk where it can still be found.

The snake’s head fritillary’s purple
chequered bell-shaped flowers used to be
seen in Suffolk’s river valleys

The boundary hedges are maintained by the traditional method of coppicing. This involves periodically cutting sections to the ground, whichencourages regrowth and creates a long living, dense hedge that is great for wildlife.

Other Trust reserves nearby: Fox Fritillary Meadow

Ragged Robin

STAR SPECIES
Snake’s head fritillary
Goldilocks buttercup