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There were once many meadows like this along the upper Thames but very few remain now as most have been destroyed by agricultural ‘improvement’ or gravel extraction. Highlights: The meadow and the hedges are filled with bird life all year. In spring, skylarks nest amongst the grass, while great tits, blue tits, chaffinches, linnets and tree creepers nest in the hedges and tree hollows. Along the banks of the Rivers Thames and Churn, reed buntings, grey wagtails and sedge warblers can be found, with swallows, sand martins and swifts dancing overhead. In winter the meadow is visited by a variety of wading birds.
Location: North Meadow is about 20 minutes walk north west of Cricklade town centre. Car parking and bus links can be found in the town, from where the reserve can be reached by public footpaths.
There is roadside parking within 300 metres of the reserve, and there is a bus service which runs through Cricklade. There is a disabled access gate at the site, although the reserve can become very wet, so access is not advised at these times. Access is restricted to the public footpath.
Grid reference: SU093945
Click here for more details.
North Meadow, Cricklade National Nature Reserve.
North Meadow is an old, flower-rich hay meadow on the northern edge of Cricklade. It lies on the glacial flood plain of the River Thames and the River Churn. North Meadow has a great variety of wildflowers and is of international importance as one of the finest examples of a lowland hay meadow in Europe. It is protected as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The meadow also supports Britain’s largest population of the snake’s head fritillary.There were once many meadows like this along the upper Thames but very few remain now as most have been destroyed by agricultural ‘improvement’ or gravel extraction. Highlights: The meadow and the hedges are filled with bird life all year. In spring, skylarks nest amongst the grass, while great tits, blue tits, chaffinches, linnets and tree creepers nest in the hedges and tree hollows. Along the banks of the Rivers Thames and Churn, reed buntings, grey wagtails and sedge warblers can be found, with swallows, sand martins and swifts dancing overhead. In winter the meadow is visited by a variety of wading birds.
Location: North Meadow is about 20 minutes walk north west of Cricklade town centre. Car parking and bus links can be found in the town, from where the reserve can be reached by public footpaths.
There is roadside parking within 300 metres of the reserve, and there is a bus service which runs through Cricklade. There is a disabled access gate at the site, although the reserve can become very wet, so access is not advised at these times. Access is restricted to the public footpath.
Grid reference: SU093945
Click here for more details.
These maps are intended as a guideline only; you must check the exact location of the reserve yourself. Wildlife Extra assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or usefulness of the information on this website.
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