One of the larger areas of common land in South Norfolk.
The large area of cattle-grazed grassland and scrub is an integral part of New Buckenham village. A number of pools are present, though some dry up in the summer; the largest, known as Spittle Mere, usually holds water all year and
is very good for great crested newts. Many interesting plants can be found.
Green-winged Orchid
In May and June, an impressive spectacle of these purple orchids can be seen on the Common. Three other orchid species have also occasionally been recorded: bee, pyramidal and common spotted.
Warblers
Garden warbler, blackcap, common whitethroat, willow warbler and chiffchaff can all be heard and seen in the spring and summer in the scrub, thick hedges and around the mere.
Access
Park in the village car park at the edge of New Buckenham village, next to the children’s play area.
Spring
Birds - Whitethroat, bullfinch, blackcap, nightingale
Plants - Cuckoo flower, green-winged orchid, meadow saxifrage, cowslip
Reptiles and amphibians - Great crested newt
Summer
Birds - Whitethroat, barn owl, blackcap, bullfinch, nightingale
Plants - Meadow saxifrage, harebell, lesser spearwort, tubular water-dropwort, green-winged orchid, cuckoo flower
Reptiles and amphibians - Great crested newt
Autumn
Birds - Bullfinch, barn owl
Winter
Birds - Bullfinch, redwing, barn owl, snipe