All the rivers I make, Cricklade

CRICKLADE

Once a year, in spring, an ancient meadow in Cricklade is turned into a blaze of colour – as the fritillaries come into bloom. Around 80% of Britain’s snakeshead fritillaries grow here.

Cricklade is the only Wiltshire town on the young River Thames and is the first town upon the river, 10 miles from its source.
 

All the rivers I make

All the rivers

flow into me

Cray and Evenlode

 

All the patterns

they make

Lea and Loden

 

All the roll and ramble,

bind and blossom,

All the turn and tangle,

cling and carry

 

All the lives I live

in the patterns

they make

Kennet and Wandle

 

All the rivers

flow out of me

Cray and Evenload

North Meadow National Nature Reserve 

is of special interest to wildlife enthusiasts and is home to the UK's largest population of wild Snakeshead Fritillaries. Around 80% of Britain’s snakeshead fritillaries (Fritillaria meliagris), grow at North Meadow. There are very few meadows like this along the upper Thames today.

 Thames Path National Trail 

It passes through the town on its way to London, while nearby is the Cotswold Water Park, Britain's largest with 132 lakes, which offers peaceful walks and exciting water sports. The shallow waters of the Thames between here and Castle Eaton have 

Take a look at the Thames Path Blog - Snake’s-head fritillary - Rare wild flowers of the Thames water meadows