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| Survey Results | News/notices | |
| Species List (flora) | Take a tour of the Reserve | |
| How the reserve is managed | History | |
| Near Monewden | Open at all times |
| TM227573 | |
| SSSI | |
| Go to SWT web site |
A collection of three hay meadows where a remarkable variety of uncommon wild flowers can be found. Worth visiting in early autumn too for the Meadow Saffron.
This is an SSSI of 3.74 ha owned by the Suffolk Wildlife Trust. Please keep to the edges of the fields. Please keep dogs on leads at all times.
Access is off a small pull-in adjacent to Rookery Farm (the reserve has a sign post at the entrance). Please park with care so as not to block farmers' access.
These three meadows, which are close to Akenfield country, capture the spirit of the traditional small farm. First Church meadow has always been known locally for its incredible variety of wild flowers.
In spring, Fritillaries flower in the low, wet areas and later Green-winged, Early-purple and Pyramidal Orchids can all be seen. There is a curious abundance of the double daffodil, Narcissus Van Sion, a garden plant that is naturalised here. Other rarities include the small shrub Dyer's Greenweed and Adder's-tongue. After the hay cut you can look forward to the spectacular flowering of the crocus-like Meadow Saffron in autumn.
The smallest meadow is being restored to a species-rich state after a period of neglect. However, the large meadow nearest the entrance has the least diverse flora, probably because it was used for hens over a long period of time which, has caused the soil to become enriched.
There are two small orchards with some very old Apple, Walnut and Plum trees and some recently planted specimens. The orchard near the reserve entrance also contains some old Hazel coppices under which Primroses flourish. Nearly all the hedges are ancient and a close look will reveal a great number of trees and shrubs.
The richness of these meadows reflects the sympathetic management by farmers in the past. They have never been ploughed, sprayed, fertilised or under drained. The grass is cut for hay in mid-July and usually sheep graze the aftermath.
The Trust has owned the meadows since 1983 when they were able to buy them from the Martin family with the help of a World Wildlife Fund grant.
This site was constructed by the warden, Paul Chapman
click here to contact the warden
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