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. Main habitats: lowland grassland Features of interest 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. The meadow also supports Britain’s largest population of the snake’s head fritillary, which appears in spring along with bright yellow clusters of marsh marigold and the pink of cuckooflower. Also at this time of year you may see the adder’s tongue fern. Greater burnet, common knapweed, cowslip, meadow buttercup and yellow rattle, ox-eye daisies, meadow rue and meadow sweet may be seen in the summer months. There are also over 20 species of grass, including crested dog’s tail and yellow oat grass. See the site visitor leaflet for more details. Visitor safety At this reserve:
meadows flood in winter and more frequently in spring, the water can be chest deep at the southern edge of the reserve and in ditches or culverts
livestock often graze on the meadow, you must not disturb or feed them
keep dogs under close control at all times and release them from the lead if there’s a confrontation with livestock
Directions 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 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. Contact For more information about the reserve, to discuss school visits or volunteering opportunities contact the reserve manager Aidan Fallon by email: Aidan.Fallon@naturalengland.org.uk or telephone: 07919 995036.