Category: Fritillary Watch

It will soon be fritillary season but it is too early to visit to see them. The fritillaries are just emerging and  are very difficult to see. To see the spectacular display of fritillary flowers the best time to visit is usually mid April.

Natural England have closed public access to North Meadow until 25th March to protect the reserve from compaction damage to the soil while  ground conditions are very soft.

Check back here for further updates on meadow conditions and the best time to see the fritillaries.

Natural England have extended the closure of North Meadow until 30th May. Ground conditions are still very soft putting the meadow at risk of compaction damage. River levels have dropped and the meadow is drying quickly. Unfortunately it is now too late to see the snakes head fritillaries this year but it may be possible for the meadow to be re-opened in a few days.

Check back here to find out when North Meadow is open again. It will be re-opened as soon as ground conditions are suitable.

Natural England have extended the closure of North Meadow until 16th May. Ground conditions are still very soft putting the meadow at risk of compaction damage. River levels are dropping and the meadow will dry over the next 3 weeks if the current forecast of limited rain remains unchanged.

Check back here to find out when North Meadow is open again. It will be re-opened as soon as ground conditions are suitable.

Natural England have extended the closure of North Meadow until 2nd May. River levels are dropping and the meadow will dry over the next 2 weeks if the current forecast of limited rain remains unchanged.

Check back here to find out when North Meadow is open again.

North Meadow is still saturated and has been closed by Natural England until the 18th April to protect the grassland. It will be reopened as soon as conditions permit. There may still be an opportunity to see the fritillaries if we have a period of dry weather.

Rainfall over the winter months from 1st Sept 2023 to 31st March 2024 has been 51% above average over the last 10 years.

Check back here to find out when North Meadow is open again.

It is still too early to see the snakes head fritillaries and North Meadow is currently flooded and inaccessible. The picture of the entrance taken yesterday shows the current conditions.

It has been a very wet winter with rainfall 45% above average since September last year. Heavy rain at the end of October caused the meadow to flood and water levels have remained high since then.

As the flood water goes down the meadow is a great food source for birds. Large numbers of Little Egrets often 12 or more can be seen from the causeway road feeding in the shallow water. Great White Egrets and Cattle Egrets can also be seen but less frequently and in smaller numbers.

We need a period of dry weather and at this time of year the flooding will quickly recede. If you are planning to visit to see the snakes head fritillaries check fritillary watch again for the latest meadow conditions.

River levels are down to seasonal levels and Natural England lifted the temporary closure yesterday. The fritillary season is finished for this year and the hay crop is growing fast ready for the hay cut later this month.

Large numbers of birds around today including a red kite overhead. Skylarks, Reed Buntings, Curlew, Meadow Pipets, Stonechats, Lapwings and Yellowhammers all nest on or close to the ground. To avoid disturbing these birds please stay on the marked paths and keep your dog on a short lead.

Natural England have extended the closure of North Meadow until 16th June. The warmer weather and no rain in the last week has reduced river levels which are now lower than any time since February. Natural England are reviewing the meadow condition regularly and will re-open the meadow to the public as soon as possible.

Banded demoiselles, newly emerged common blue damselflies, brimstone and large white butterflies were visible from the entrance to North Meadow this morning.

Check back here for further updates on the condition of the meadow.

Update 27th May 2023

North Meadow is still closed to the public. River levels have dropped and the meadow is drying but still very muddy and prone to compaction damage. Natural England are continuing to check to the condition and hope to re-open the National Nature Reserve soon.