Barrie Wilkinson

Spendluffe Meadows

Wildflowers

The site is surrounded by large hedges on a gently sloping site with boulder clay soils, typical of the Middle Marsh.

Location

Long Lane
Mumby

Alford

Nearest postcode LN13 9JP

OS Map Reference

TF 505 751

Know before you go

Size

5 hectares

Parking information

Car parking is extremely difficult adjacent to the site - Long Lane is a very busy road and parking on the verge should be carried out with great care

Grazing animals

Cattle

Walking trails

There are no way-marked visitor routes on site, please take care not to trample the hay crop

Access

Gated access, no mown paths, uneven grazed land unsuitable for wheelchairs

Dogs

No dogs permitted

Assistance dogs only

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

January to December

About the reserve

The first (southern) field is used primarily as pasture, the main field is managed as a hay meadow. Cattle graze the pasture from late spring to maintain a relatively short grass sward throughout the growing season. The hay meadow is cut between 15th July and 15th August, depending on weather. The cattle are then used to graze the aftermath until late autumn.

The meadows are in the Higher Level Scheme of Environmental Stewardship. They are rich in wild flowers including meadowsweet, green-winged orchid, cowslip, yellow rattle, great burnet, devil’s-bit scabious and betony. It is an example of a rare and fragile habitat of great conservation value.

Nearest postcode LN13 9JP. Please note - postcodes are for the nearest registered address as we are unable to get postcodes for nature reserves.

Location information

Spendluffe Meadows location PDF

Situated to the north of Long Lane (B1449) between Mumby and Thurlby. Access is via a pedestrian gate. Car parking is extremely difficult adjacent to the site. Long Lane is a very busy road and parking on the verge should be carried out with great care. Please ensure you do not block any other accesses.