Forncett Meadows - a visit to our SSSI

Native orchids were among the many plants we saw as the group of 17 FNM supporters and friends strolled across Forncett Meadows – the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) bordering the River Tas behind St Peter’s church. It was notified in 1985 as one of only 3 remaining areas of unimproved grassland in the Tas valley. Initially managed by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, it has been privately owned for about 30 years, lightly grazed by a variety of livestock at different times, currently horses belonging to settled travellers. 

Forncett Meadows Photo: Carol Sharp 

Our guide was Debbie Sutton who has been involved with its care and management for many years. Following the footpath between the church and the school, we came to fields on either side of the path; those on the church side of the Tas are agricultural land, those on the far side form the SSSI. All are under the same ownership and managed in the same way. Areas of grazed meadow, beautiful with the yellow of Buttercups, Creeping Cinquefoil and Bird’s Foot Trefoil and the startling bright green of Crosswort, are interspersed with taller marsh vegetation, alder trees along the river and scrub with mature trees on the higher ground. 

Crosswort Photo: Carol Sharp 

None of us had seen Crosswort anywhere else in Norfolk, although NWT describes it as common. Crossing the Tas on plank bridges, the SSSI has an even greater variety of habitats, a seepage line on the valley side giving some very damp areas where Common Spotted Orchids flourish. Luckily Crosswort and Orchids have spilled out onto the footpath so can be enjoyed by everyone. Pam Merrick, our local botanist, and Adele Greere, who surveyed the plants in St Peter’s Churchyard for the NWT, were both able to identify many of the plants we came across. Debbie also introduced us to a survey of molluscs (snails) carried out in 1998 which showed what a very rich environment it is. The damp, but waterless river bed - the original meandering course of the Tas before it was straightened in 1943, contributes to the mosaic of habitats. Forncett Meadows is vulnerable. Unless levels of grazing are maintained coarser plants smother the more delicate ones and the variety of insects and animals declines. The health of the river Tas, is especially important – one of a small number of chalk streams – and as we know liable to flooding, perhaps especially so since it’s been straightened. 

The meadow at Orchard House Photo: Carol Sharp 

After our own meandering many of us made our way to Orchard House, on the Tas Valley Way, where Rosemary and Christina had laid out a wonderful selection of dishes for our Bring & Share lunch. It made a lovely, sociable break in a fascinating visit. We then had the unexpected delight of a tour of Rosemary’s meadow – the most beautiful array of Ox-Eye daisies and native Orchids (Common Spotted and Pyramidal) that I think I’ve ever seen. 

Oxeye Daisies, Yellow Rattle, Common Spotted Orchids- and so many others! Photo: Carol Sharp 

We had the perfect weather, company and environment to make us feel truly grateful to live in such a place. It was inspiring to see what nature can do given space, thoughtful management and minimal disturbance.

FNM would like to thank the owners of the SSSI for allowing us to share their very special space, not usually open to the public. Debbie was a font of knowledge as was Pam – thank you both. Finally we are grateful to Rosemary for a great venue for lunch and a wonderful tour. In our own small ways we too can each help to create the space nature needs.

NB You can see information about the SSSI and why it is protected here.