Metfield Meadow facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Suffolk |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 1.3 hectares |
| Notification | 1987 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Metfield Meadow, also known as Winks Meadow, is a special place for nature in Suffolk, England. It covers 1.3 hectares and is located west of Halesworth. This meadow is owned and cared for by the Suffolk Wildlife Trust. It is officially recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because of its amazing plants.
Contents
Discovering Metfield Meadow
What Makes This Meadow Special?
Metfield Meadow is a "Site of Special Scientific Interest," or SSSI. This means it's a very important area for plants, animals, or geology. The government protects these sites. This helps make sure their unique natural features are safe. Metfield Meadow is special because of its rich variety of wildflowers.
A Home for Amazing Plants
This meadow used to be part of an old airfield. It has "unimproved grassland," which means it hasn't been changed much by farming. This type of land is great for wild plants. The soil here is a chalky boulder clay. This soil type helps many different kinds of flowers grow.
You can find many beautiful wildflowers here. These include the lovely green-winged orchid. You will also see bright yellow cowslips. Another interesting plant is the pepper saxifrage. These plants make the meadow a colorful and lively place.
How We Help the Meadow Grow
To keep the meadow healthy, it needs special care. Sometimes, cattle graze here. Other times, the grass is cut for hay. Both of these actions help to maintain the wide variety of wild flowers. This management stops stronger plants from taking over. It allows the rarer flowers to thrive.
Visiting Metfield Meadow
You can visit this special nature site. There is access to the meadow from Nunn's Lane. It's a great place to explore and see nature up close.
