Winks Meadow
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.
Pyramidal orchid at Winks Meadow
©Joe Sutton /Plantlife
The 3.4-acre site, which has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is a haven for botanists. Five species of orchid have been recorded at Winks Meadow – Common- spotted, Green-winged, Bee, Pyramidal and Frog orchid at its only remaining site 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.
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
The meadow is managed either by taking a hay cut in July followed by grazing, or by grazing throughout the summer.
Location: Metfield, Suffolk. Grid Reference: TM 303 799
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links
Map and directions Click below to see the map and directions for the reserve
Management
Winks Meadow is managed by Suffolk Wildlife Trust
Further details
For further details contact the Plantlife Office or e-mail joe.costley@ plantlife.org.uk