Bugbrooke Meadow
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Although tiny, this is possibly the most diverse hay meadow in the county, rich in wild flowers and insects |
This small secluded reserve is a remnant of the grassland once common along the banks of the river Nene. During the winter, large parts of the meadow are submerged when the river floods. Afterwards the meadow stays wet for a large part of the year - which provides ideal conditions for the richness and variety of wildflowers found here.
The main ditch supports a number of water plants, including lesser spearwort and common spikerush, and there are patches of bright yellow marsh-marigold in spring. Also in spring, the small pink flowers of marsh valerian can also be found throughout the meadow, often in large numbers. In early summer, there is a fine display of southern marsh-orchids, over 200 plants, a real treat to see in full flower.
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Plants: Marsh-marigold, marsh valerian, lesser spearwort, common spikerush, cuckooflower Birds: Chiffchaff, yellow hammer |
Plants: Southern marsh-orchid, meadow-rue, greater bitter cress, meadowsweet, wild angelica, sneezewort Insects: Damselflies and dragonflies Birds: Chiffchaff, yellow hammer |
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