Winks Meadow is a remnant of flower-rich grassland laden with wildflowers including the scarce spiny restharrow, sulphur clover and quaking grass. It has never been sprayed with pesticides or modern fertilisers, which is why it’s so fabulous for plants.

Primrose and cowslip herald the start of this floral kaleidoscope in spring, while species normally associated with woodland such as dog’s mercury and barren strawberry grow close to the hedges. Renowned for its spectacular displays of orchids, an awe-inspiring seven species grow here. The first to flower in late spring and early summer are twayblade, early-purple and green-winged orchid. Later in the summer common spotted, bee, and pyramidal orchid appear together with the only colony of frog orchid in Suffolk.

The bee orchid is convincingly like its namesake

To make sure the meadow stays special, management involves either summer grazing with cattle or taking a hay cut in July, followed by autumn grazing. The hedge surrounding the meadow is a great wildlife habitat and there is a particularly fine stretch bordering the road. The many shrub species include spindle, field maple and dogwood, which suggest it is an ancient boundary.

 

The hedges are maintained by trimming or coppicing, which encourages dense regrowth.

Winks Meadow is owned and cared for by Suffolk Wildlife Trust. Plantlife generously supported its purchase.

STAR SPECIES
Green-winged & Frog orchid
Spiny restharrow