The snakes head fritillaries are now past their peak but still lots to see. The number of flowering fritillaries is less this year following the wet April/May conditions of the last 2 years. Many of the flowers have now been pollinated by bees, the most frequent visitors are the red tailed bumblee queens.
Look out for the Cuckoo flowers. The meadow is now covered in a white haze tinged with pink from the unusually large coverage of Cuckoo flowers (Cardamine pratensis) also known as Lady’s smock. The yellow Marsh Marigolds (Caltha palustris) are clearly visible in the drainage ditches.
Listen for the sound of the Skylark’s as they perform their mating displays and territorial song. The nesting season is long and between April and late July, pairs will build three or even four different nests in attempts to raise several broods. Skylarks are unable to sustain populations without three or so breeding attempts.
If you want to find out more about the meadow you can listen to the audio trail see the QR code marker post left. There is a map of the trail in the main meadow entrance. If you enter at a different point just use your mobile phone to read any of the QR codes so you can listen to a meadow guide talking about the meadow flora, fauna, history and farming.
When you visit please stay on the marked paths and keep your dog on a short lead to avoid damaging this internationally important wildlife site and disturbing the ground nesting birds.
Many are unaware, but the law says that you must keep your dog on a lead no longer than 2 metres between 1st March and 31st July, when on any open access land to protect ground-nesting birds.
Enjoy your visit and perhaps call in for a cup of tea at the Fritillary Tea Room run by Cricklade Bloomers at the end of Cricklade High Street.