Fritillary Meadow, Cricklade
Fritillary Meadow
a here
and there meadow
multi-named
snake’s head chess flower
but singular
a brief carpeting
in April-May
chequered lily frog’s cup
near a here
and there river
fragile-flowered,
hanging
on thin grey stems
some say it sprang
where Romans walked
deadman’s bell leper’s bell
the living returning
to walk it
here and now –
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.
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
If you enjoyed this poem, take a look at the other Thames Path 30th Anniversary poems.