North Meadow National Nature Reserve Cricklade

Warden's Report Updated 7th May 2008

The North Meadow Fritillaries have almost finished flowering for this year, there are still some Fritillary flowers to be seen on the Willow Walk, a short walk to the left of the main entrance. The recent warm and wet weather has meant the grasses and other wild flowers are growing rapidly; soon the purple haze of the Fritillary flowers will disappear and be replaced by the yellow glow of meadow buttercups, Ranunculus acris, the silvery meadow Foxtail Alopecurus pratensis, and pink Raggid Robin Lychnis flos-cucuii,. Later in May other flowers will start to show themselves; look out for Oxe-eye daisy Chrysanthemum leucanthemum, Ladies bedstraw Galium verum, Flag iris Iris pseudacorus, Bird’s-foot trefoil Lotus corniculatus, Pepper saxifrage Silaum silaus and Red clover Trifolium pratense. By early June other flowers will be putting on a spectacular show; the Lesser knapweed Centaurea nigra, Great burnett Sanguisorba officinalis, Cut-leaved cranesbill Geranium dissectum, Meadow sweet Filipendula ulmaria, Tufted Vetch Vicia cracca, Meadow vetchling Lathyrus pratensis and Devils bit scabious Succisa pratensis. These will all add colour to this rare lowland hay meadow.

Sky larks, Swallows, House & Sand Martins can be seen in the skies over North Meadow. Cuckoos have been heard by the river Thames and look out for Reed Buntings in the hedgerows.

Ground conditions on the meadow are good but there is some standing water after the recent rain.

Please keep to the marked footpaths. Thank you.

     North Meadow Fritillary Weekends April 2008

Natural England , Cricklade Court Leet, and Cricklade Bloomers, will be hosting open days at North Meadow and the Thames Hall Cricklade in April.

On the weekends of 12th and 13th, 19th and 20th, and 26th and 27th April the Thames Hall, by the River Thames, will be open for refreshments and light lunches from 10.00am to 5.00pm . There will be information about North Meadow National Nature Reserve, displays about Cricklade in Bloom, and information about the history of Cricklade’s ancient Court Leet. Within the hall, there will also be an opportunity for visitors to buy plants and postcards, and materials available for you to have a go at making your own bug boxes.

The famous fritillaries are usually at their best around this time, and guided walks will be conducted by the Natural England Warden and Cricklade Court Leet. Walks will commence at the main entrance to North Meadow on the above dates at 11.00 and 14.00 each day - if you would like to come on one of these please book by phoning Anita Barratt, Seasonal Reserve Manager, on 07747023581  or book at the Thames Hall on the day.

We all look forward to seeing you there.

Looking through the fritillaries towards St Sampson's Church. The meadow is covered with yellow dandelions mixed with the fritillaries.

 

 

These fritillaries are just about to open over the next day or two.

Look out for the rare double headed specimens with two flowers on one stem.

This white fritillary is at it's best having fully opened

The rare adder's tongue fern also grows in the meadow. It is very small and difficult to see.

Look out for these horsetails on the south west side of the meadow

Large groups of cowslips can be seen at the western end opposite the main gate.

Many Marsh Marigolds can be seen in the boggy areas of the meadow.