North Meadow, Cricklade

North Meadow lies between the rivers Churn and Thames, containing over half a million wildflowers that form patterns across the landscape during spring. The reserve is managed by Natural England and provides visitors with a place to see rare blooms in their natural setting.

This meadow reaches back to the 13th century when it functioned as a traditional hay meadow marked by carved stones indicating ancient lot divisions. The continuity of this use over centuries has created the conditions that support the wildflowers we see today.

The snake's head fritillary, locally called dead men's bells, represents a significant part of Wiltshire's natural heritage and has its largest population in Britain here. Visitors can see these delicate purple flowers in large clusters covering the ground.

The best time to visit is from late March through April when the blooms are strongest and guided walks are available on weekends. The site is easy to explore on foot, but sturdy footwear is advisable as the ground can become damp after rain.

The specific flooding conditions between the two rivers create a rare environment where green woodpeckers feed on anthills. This connection between plant life and bird populations makes the site remarkable for nature watchers.