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Winks Meadow

Location: Metfield, Suffolk

Grid Reference: TM 303 799

Winks Meadow is a tiny remnant of what was once an extensive area of unimproved grassland at the beginning of the last century. The meadow is now an oasis for wildlife surrounded by arable land and an old airfield.

The 3.4-acre site is managed either by taking a hay cut in July followed by grazing, or by grazing throughout the summer. It has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Wildflowers at the reserve

WHAT TO SEE AND WHEN

April: bugle, germander speedwell

May: green-winged orchid, cowslip, adder's-tongue, bulbous buttercup

June: sulphur clover, frog orchid, meadow vetchling, dog rose, common spotted-orchid

July: pepper-saxifrage, black knapweed, spiny restharrow, tufted vetch

Five species of orchid have been recorded at Winks Meadow – common-spotted, green-winged, bee, pyramidal and frog orchid. This is the only remaining site for frog orchid in Suffolk.

Other flowers present that are now scarce in Suffolk include spiny restharrow and the sulphur clover. The meadow is enclosed by tall hedges which are mostly quite young, but the northern section is species-rich including dogwood, field maple and spindle.

Directions

Click here to download a map of the reserve.


From the village of Harleston take the B1123 through Mendham Marshes and Witherdale Street to Metfield. Leave the B1123 by heading straight up the little road then turn right after half a mile, at a cross-roads. Take the first left and Winks Meadow is on your right. Park beyond the meadow but please do not block the concrete roads which are private. The nearest train station is Halesworth which is 7 miles from the reserve. Please do not take your dogs into Winks Meadow.