Suffolk Wildlife Trust`s Fox Fritillary Meadow

Fox Fritillary Meadow is an ancient floodplain. It is the largest of four remaining sites for the snake's head fritillary in Suffolk, and it was to here that we booked to visit to see these beautiful wild flowers. Visiting Fox Fritillary Meadow is by prior arrangement only, and visitor numbers are restricted, so we booked some 2 months back for this year.

According to Suffolk Wildlife Trust:- The Snake's-head fritillary is a most unusual looking wildflower and the UK's only native fritillary species. When in bloom in spring, this flamboyant wildflower is unmistakable. Its nodding purple and sometimes white flowers have distinctive chequer-board markings resembling a snake’s skin. Before it flowers its presence may be overlooked as the foliage is grass-like, but once in flower it is a spectacular sight, forming a wonderful purple haze across the meadow. The number of local names, including Snake's-head lily, Crowcup, Leper's Bells and Chequered Lily, suggest that this was once a common countryside sight

Its first recorded presence in the wild in England was in 1736 and its origin has been debated by botanists ever since. Opinions still vary. Some say it is native, others that it was introduced by the Romans or escaped from Tudor gardens. Whatever its origin, we do know that in the early 20th century it occurred widely in Suffolk's river valleys.

Unfortunately, this attractive plant has gradually disappeared from the countryside as meadows have been fertilized, ploughed, drained or built upon. As they thrive on land that has never been subjected to intensive agriculture, they are now nationally quite rare. Thankfully, we are lucky to have in Suffolk four semi-natural grasslands where it occurs in the wild - three of these sites are SSSI’s and Suffolk Wildlife Trust reserves. 

The Trust manages these sites traditionally by hay cutting and aftermath grazing by sheep and this careful management maintains the habitat in which the fritillary can flourish. 

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RSPB Minsmere

Minsmere is a great place to spend some hours, which we have done on numerous occasions. Today being one of those days, albeit with large numbers of other people!

The Wikipedia entry gives a brief description of the place:-

RSPB Minsmere is a nature reserve owned and managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) at Minsmere, Suffolk. The 1,000-hectare (2,500-acre) site has been managed by the RSPB since 1947 and covers areas of reed bed, lowland heath, acid grassland, wet grassland, woodland and shingle vegetation. It lies within the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the Suffolk Heritage Coast area. It is conserved as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Area of Conservation (SAC), Special Protection Area (SPA) and Ramsar site.

The nature reserve is managed primarily for bird conservation, particularly through control and improvement of wetland, heath and grassland habitats, with particular emphasis on encouraging nationally uncommon breeding species such as the bittern, stone-curlew, marsh harrier, nightjar and nightingale. The diversity of habitats has also led to a wide variety of other animals and plants being recorded on the site. 

Before becoming a nature reserve, the area was the site of an ancient abbey and a Tudor artillery battery. The marshes were reclaimed as farmland in the 19th century, but re-flooded during World War II as part of preparations for possible invasion. 

The reserve has a visitor centre, eight bird hides and an extensive network of footpaths and trails. Entry is free for RSPB members. Potential future threats to the site include flooding or salination as climate change causes rising sea levels, coastal erosion and possible effects on water levels due to the construction of a new reactor at the neighbouring Sizewell nuclear power stations. 

Most of these images were taken with a Sigma 150-600 mm lens - hand held. So quality a little suspect at times. 

Spotted, (rather `heard` first) this Chaffinch sitting in the gorse bushes.

From one of the hides, or viewing points, these Canada Geese went about there endless feeding 

We had hoped to see the sand Martins, and we did. Getting the picture was another thing! However, after numerous attempts, these were two of my better ones. A bit noisy, but an image at least. Amazing birds to watch as they display their speed and agility.

Unfortunately from a great distance, a Marsh Harrier swoops over the reed beds

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Winter brings floods to Layham & Hadleigh

Some years we appear to have a considerable amount more wet weather than others. During these times, Layham takes on a new look, and indeed, the whole area does. This year was one of the wetter ones, although not the worst we have seen. Here are some of the images I have taken when we have experienced large rainfalls.

The seat in the conservation area. You needed wellingtons to reach it, and the view was a bit different from normal. Where does the river start or finish?

The path through the trees is flooded, but the odd oasis produces the occasional surprise.

... such as crocuses still managing to produce some colour.

.... and snowdrops.

It's as well that this house is standing on pillars of brick, although this year the water was not quite as deep but near enough.

Facing the other way, the garden? and tennis court of the neighbours property.

The water as it thunders under the bridge and down the overflow beside the bridge.

Walking toward Hadleigh, this is the scene which greeted me. This is normally horse grazing area!

Anyone for rugby? Not much play on Hadleigh Rugby Club grounds.

In front of the Council offices. There is, believe it or not, a footpath under this lot.

However, the Royal Mail always tries to deliver.

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