Gunton Meadow is part of a small network of wildlife rich habitats in north Lowestoft. Important for a variety of grassland species while the ponds support a large population of great crested newts.
It was saved from development by the concerted efforts of local people and Suffolk Wildlife Trust. This endeavour secured a mix of species-rich grassland, scrub and incredible ponds for newts. With five species of orchid and a host of other wildflowers flourishing under a reinstated regime of annual hay cutting, it is an excellent example of just how rich these boulder clay meadows can be.
Suffolk Wildlife Trust is appealing to purchase and restore 384 acres of land in the Broads National Park. To find out more and donate please visit https://www.suffolkbroads.org.uk
Images © S Aylward, H Hemming (Flickr) and John V Phillips(Flickr)
