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Sutton Lane Meadows
Traditional hay meadows rich in wild flowers
Sutton Lane, Sutton Benger, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 4LW
Opening times for 11 December 2023
Asset Opening time Countryside Dawn - Dusk MTWTFSS2728293012345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031OpenPartially openClosedThere is very limited lay-by parking on Sutton Lane (not National Trust) and a 250 yard uneven track to the meadows.
By road
From Sutton Benger turn right onto Sutton Lane towards Langley Burrell. The gated track to Sutton Lane Meadows is 1500 yards along Sutton Lane on the right.
Parking: There is limited lay-by parking not National Trust near the meadows
On foot
Just under 1km south of Sutton Benger on the footpath to Langley Burrell and about 2km along the bridleway and footpath from Kington Langley to Sutton Benger
By train
Chippenham Train Station is 4 miles by road from Sutton Benger
By bus
Hatts Coaches number 91 from Chippenham to Little Somerford stops at Sutton Benger which is just under 1km walk from Sutton Lane Meadows
By bicycle
Quiet lanes from Sutton Lane lead to surrounding towns and villages
Sutton Lane, Sutton Benger, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 4LW
Highlights
Meadows
Three traditionally managed neutral hay meadows, supporting exceptionally rich plant and insect species.
Orchids
A spectacular display of thousands of green veined orchids appear in May followed by hundreds of Southern Marsh orchids.
Hedgrows
The hedgerows and ditches which bisect the site provide a vital source of berries and seeds for bird and mammals.
Hay cut
The hay produced here is so rich in wildflowers it has been harvested as green hay and used to help colonise other local meadows.
Top trails
Trail
Sutton Lane Meadows nature walk
Explore this protected meadow site, with its rare plants, stunning wildflower displays, butterflies and birdlife. The walk also takes in farmland, riverside and local history.
Places to stay
2 High Street
In the centre of Lacock village, this 15th-century cottage is packed full of charm and makes a cosy base for exploring Lacock Abbey and the countryside nearby.
Fishlock's Cottage
A simple cottage for two, in the heart of Avebury’s prehistoric ramparts and stone circles.
About Sutton Lane Meadows
Three enclosed fields of exceptionally species-rich, unimproved, neutral grassland, managed as traditional hay meadows, near Chippenham. Two are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest and the other is a designated County Wildlife Site.
With its fantastic population of green-winged and southern marsh orchids, Sutton Lane Meadows is one of the best meadow sites in Wiltshire.
Our work
Find out more about our work near Sutton Lane Meadows.
Article
Our work in the Calstone and Cherhill Downs
National Trust ranger Keith Steggall talks about the careful balance between landscape management, species monitoring and visitor experience in the chalk grassland habitat of Calstone and Cherhill Downs.