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Bredfield Jubilee Meadow and Orchard
A community place
Bredfield Jubilee Meadow and Orchard was started as a community venture in 2013. The village bought a field that had not experienced intensive agriculture. Twenty-four orchard trees – apples, pears, plums and quinces – were planted. Today, there is an entrance gate, a small shelter and a mowed path. Bredfield residents visit the meadow and orchard to experience the wildflowers and butterflies, and also to find a quiet retreat. Occasional events are held in the meadow, such as our Apple Juicing Day that happens each autumn. Bredfield Jubilee Meadow and Orchard has been given a Green Flag Community Award for the last five years.
In November 2024, Bredfield Meadow and Orchard was officially designated as a Suffolk County Wildlife Site.
Flora
The fruit trees are surrounded by a blanket of wildflowers. Over 100 species of flora have been identified in the meadow. If you come in spring and early-summer, you’ll find a splendid array of yellow, white, purple and red flowers. Southern Marsh Orchids create a purple haze and, if you look closely, you will spot the delicate pink bloom of Grass Vetchling.
Images of plants and flowers in the meadow can be seen in the gallery below. Alternatively, for a larger annotated collection of images, follow the link and go to our Google Photos page.
A systematic list of all the flora identified in the meadow is also available. Click on the link below.
Fauna
With such an abundance and biodiversity of flora, an array of insect-life is attendant. Butterflies to be seen include: Comma, Ringlet, Speckled Wood, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Small Copper, Common Blue, Large Skipper and Essex Skipper. As you may expect, it’s a haven for bees to.
Images of the fauna (mainly insects) in the meadow can be seen in the gallery below. Alternatively, for a larger annotated collection of images, follow the link and go to our Google Photos page.
A systematic list of all the fauna (invertebrates and vertebrates) identified in the meadow is also available. Click on the link below.
Gallery: flora and fauna in the meadow
Click the images for a full view. After viewing each picture, click off the image to return to the gallery.
“Bredfield Jubilee Meadow and Orchard is a natural history treasure that has survived into the 21st century.”
Laurie Forsyth, Suffolk Flora Preservation Trust
NO CAMPING! – NO FIRES! – NO BARBECUES!
IN THE MEADOW
The meadow is an extremely sensitive habitat for nature
Bredfield Jubilee Meadow and Orchard is the property of Bredfield Parish Council
Directions: Bredfield Jubilee Meadow and Orchard is located on Woodbridge Road, Bredfield.
Grid ref: TM266524.
Access: Wheelchair access is possible, though the terrain requires that the chair has appropriate wheels.
In winter, after rain or snow, the ground can become waterlogged and access is difficult for all.