The Beginnings

THE BEGINNINGS

Bredfield Jubilee Meadow and Orchard lies on ancient glebe land.  Glebe lands were parcels of land owned by the local parish church. The field which the Bredfield Jubilee Meadow and Orchard occupies was originally called Winding Field, presumably because of its shape. It also used to be known as the Quoits Field, because that is where the village quoits team played. The field had not been cultivated for a long time. As a consequence, it constituted a meadow that was rich in wildlife. 

Ann Stammers describes the move towards Bredfield Parish Council purchasing the land:

“The acquisition of this gem of nature as a community amenity began in April 2011 when our Rector, Dave Gardner, was amazed to hear that two parcels of glebe land in Bredfield had ‘For Sale’ notices up. He contacted my husband Stephen Stammers, Church Warden. We both went for an afternoon walk and found the signs on both sides of the Woodbridge Road, just beyond and opposite Chapel Farm. The parcel on the east side was easily visible, but not the parcel on the west side. We tentatively gained access through tall grasses, brambles etc. Inside was an elongated nature paradise. We walked all the way around and were astonished at the variety of bushes and trees around the area and the wealth of flora including orchids. It thronged with butterflies and other insects. Birds were in the hedgerows and there was much evidence of deer night-time resting places around the edges. It was sheltered and secluded from the world.”

When the availability of the glebe land was drawn to the attention of the Parish Council, the Clerk, Karen Bowe, prepared a document for consideration by the Diocese. The document outlined possible community uses for the site and recommended that the land could be used as a community orchard and a wildflower meadow area. Karen arranged a presentation in the village hall by the Suffolk Traditional Orchard Group on the benefits of a community orchard. The glebe land was withdrawn from sale, and the Diocese agreed to allow the Parish Council sufficient time to raise the money required for purchase of the land.  Suffolk Wildlife Trust were approached to carry out a requested wildlife survey of the site (with impressive findings).

Under the auspices of Bredfield Parish Council, a committee was formed to oversee fundraising and planning. Fundraising involved a dance, a ceilidh and quiz nights. Local companies were approached for sponsorship grants. Notable funds were provided by Viridor, The Adnams Charity and an Enabling Communities Grant from Suffolk Coastal District Council. The fundraising was successful and the land was purchased. Local residents were provided with an opportunity to sponsor the planting of a fruit tree in the orchard, and this was met with an overwhelming response.

Subsequent months witnessed much activity at the meadow, with most the work carried out by local volunteers: paths were cut, trees were planted (on 1^st March 2014), an Owl box was placed, a sign and noticeboard were erected, and an entrance gate constructed.  Later a shelter was built and a shed purchased. Paul Read from the Suffolk Traditional Orchard Group and Angela Jones from Suffolk Wildlife Trust provided supportive assistance.

In April 2014, Bredfield Jubilee Meadow and Orchard won the Suffolk Greenest County Award, in the Landscape and Biodiversity category. Helen Young collected the beautiful plaque at the ceremony at Snape Maltings. The award plaque is currently on display in the Village Shop.