Come and be part of a global voice for wild plants and fungi
This autumn, help us find Britain’s most colourful and important fungi – waxcaps.
Fungi are crucial to nearly all life on Earth, but they are not given the recognition and investment they deserve. Will you join our mission to change that?
Our corporate partners benefit from 35 years of experience in nature restoration so they can achieve real impact.
Become a Plantlife member today and together we will rebuild a world rich in plants and fungi
Location: Metfield, SuffolkOS: TM 303 799
Habitat: 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 American airbase from the Second World War.
Protection of the meadow from modern agriculture and other developments is largely due to the care of its former owner, Mrs Godbold. It was her wish that the meadow should continue to be managed for the benefit of its wildlife. Following her death in 1988, Plantlife teamed up with the Suffolk Wildlife Trust to purchase the meadow and ensure its secure future.
It has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Winks Meadow once formed part of a large expanse of herb-rich meadows. The small area which survived supports an exceptional wealth of wild flowers including a number of orchids such as, Common Spotted-orchid Dactylorhiza fuchsii, Green- winged Orchid Orchis morio, Frog Orchid Dactylorhiza viridis, Bee Orchid Ophrys apifera and Pyramidal Orchids Anacamptis pyramidalis.
You can also find Cowslip Primula Veris, Adder’s-tongue Fern Ophioglossum vulgatum, Pepper-saxifrage Silaum silaus, Sulphur Clover Trifolium ochroleucon and Quaking-grass Briza media.
The meadow is surrounded by hedges, mostly relatively young, but the northern section is species-rich including Dogwood, Field Maple and Spindle and may be of great age.
Goldfinches are often seen at the site and it is also home to several notable invertebrates including yellow meadow-ants.
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 crossroad. 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 meadow is a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of its exceptional botanical richness. It is cut for hay in midsummer after the plants have flowered and set seed and is then grazed by sheep or cattle from July to October.
The hedge is coppiced every 15 years and its suckers are pulled up to prevent it spreading into the meadow. The meadow is kept free from fertilisers and pesticides.
Please do not take your dogs into Winks Meadow.
Winks Meadow is managed by Suffolk Wildlife Trust. The purchase of this nature reserve was made possible by Timotei.
Beautiful purple and yellow wildflowers at Winks Meadow
The meadow in summer
Winks Meadow in full bloom
24 Plantlife
We will keep you updated by email about our work, news, campaigning, appeals and ways to get involved. We will never share your details and you can opt out at any time. Read our Privacy Notice.
