Designation of Bredfield Meadow and Orchard as a County Wildlife Site
Bredfield Jubilee Meadow and Orchard is now officially a County Wildlife Site.
Following a suggestion to the Bredfield Jubilee Meadow and Orchard Committee by Cathy Smith (Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Conservation Manager), contact was made with Graham Hart at the Suffolk Wildlife Trust (SWT) to investigate the possibility of Bredfield Jubilee Meadow and Orchard (BJMO) being designated as a County Wildlife Site (CWS). Graham coordinates the CWS designation process and he agreed to arrange a visit by a panel drawn from SWT, Suffolk Biodiversity Information Service (SBIS), Suffolk County Council and Natural England. Following from permission granted by the Chair of Bredfield Parish Council, the panel visited in July 2024 and were provided with a guided tour. The panel were impressed by: the biodiversity of the meadow; the wildlife records that have been logged and published; and the general management of the meadow. After a period of consultation and assessment, the panel agreed the CWS designation and we were notified of this in early-November 2024.
News of the CWS designation has met with lots of positive reactions and congratulations from Bredfield residents. Comments received include:
- “Fantastic News. Well done all” Ann and Stephen Stammers
- “Absolutely amazing” Nicole Harding
- “Excellent news – well done!” Julie Crabb
- “Very well done. A great achievement.” Brian Knock
- “Recognition by the wider conservation community is independent evidence of the wildlife value of the site and the success of the management approach.” Paul Wigens
The CWS panel inspecting the meadow and orchard
What did the CWS Panel have say about the site?
Below is an extract from a report by the CWS panel, printed in the Autumn 2004 SBIS newsletter:
“When the panel arrived at the meadow they stopped for lunch in the shelter and were impressed by the illustrated guides to the flora and insects that they found there. The meadow and orchard has avoided intensive agriculture, it is surrounded by mature native hedgerows and contains a community orchard forming a significant combination of habitats. The meadow was previously glebe land and is moisture retentive, it has Southern Marsh Orchid scattered throughout the meadow along with Meadow Buttercup. In 2013 it was bought by the village as a community space, it is now an accessible green space with a traditional orchard that is used for recreation and environmental education. There have been several site surveys that have contributed to a comprehensive recorded history for the meadow. Site surveys have found the following important species:
- Protected species: Great Crested Newt, Badger, Bat spp.
- Species of Principal Importance NERC Act Section 41: Common Toad, Hedgehog, Bullfinch, Dunnock, House Sparrow, Starling, Grayling Butterfly, White-Letter Hairstreak Butterfly, Small Heath Butterfly.
- Red listed birds of conservation concern: Greenfinch, Swift, Fieldfare, House Martin, Mistle Thrush.
Members of the CWS panel resting in the BJMO shelter.
The panel had an enjoyable afternoon exploring the abundance of flora and fauna at the meadow and learning about its history.”
What are County Wildlife Sites?
In Suffolk, County Wildlife Sites have a key role in the conservation of the county’s biodiversity. Suffolk has more than 900 CWS that represent approximately 5% of the county. CWS designation is non-statutory but is recognition of a site’s high value for wildlife, with many sites being of county and often regional or national importance. They often support characteristic or threatened species and habitats that are local and national priorities for conservation. Sites may be privately or publicly owned and vary in size and shape from small meadows, green lanes, dykes and hedges to much larger areas of ancient woodlands, heathland, greens, commons and marsh.
Large Skipper 
Female Blackcap 
Pyramidal Orchid
The Suffolk CWS panel meets to assess and designate CWS using the Suffolk CWS criteria. SBIS maintain a register that includes CWS locations, boundaries and key features.
CWS are recognised by national planning policy (National Planning Policy Statement, NPPF) as having a fundamental role to play in meeting overall national biodiversity targets. CWS are not protected by legislation, but their importance is recognised by local authorities when considering planning applications. Under current planning policy there is a presumption against granting permission for development that would have an adverse impact on a CWS. This is strengthened by the provisions of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 that require all public bodies to have regard for the conservation of biodiversity.
Benefits of CWS designation
The main benefit of CWS is being part of network where advice can be gained (and given). Free advice to CWS owners and managers includes:
- Information on the wildlife and nature conservation interest of the site.
- Advice and site visits to establish the best management to maintain and enhance wildlife value. Suffolk Wildlife Trust is always happy to offer site visits.
- Advice on suitable contractors.
- Help and advice on applying for grant funding.
Credits:
- For pictures of the CWS visit to the meadow, credit to: Emma Aldous, Suffolk Biodiversity Information Service
- The three wildlife pictures in the gallery were taken at Bredfield Jubilee Meadow and Orchard by Stewart Belfield
