Cowslip Meadow – Biddenham Village

Cowslip Meadow is a former arable field to the west of Biddenham which was planted as a wildflower meadow in the 1990s.

It was planted by new owners Bedford Borough Council, when it was given to them by the Biddenham Estate as part of the wider creation of The Ouse Valley Country Park. The meadow has wild flowers, a wet area, some shrubs and small trees. The area is about 10 hectares in size.

Management of Cowslip Meadow

The meadow is mowed each autumn and the cuttings are removed to keep fertility at a low level and benefit wildflowers. The overall management is controlled by the Council, but in co-operation with their director of the environment, it is a site where conservation management activities take place organised by Biddenham Conservation Volunteers. Please let them know if you are interested in becoming involved in its management.

Habitat and wildlife

The area features a diverse range of habitats, including semi-improved and species-rich neutral grassland, lowland mixed deciduous woodlands and hedgerows, as well as a small pond. The meadow, in particular, boasts a rich variety of herbs such as common spotted orchids, wild liquorice, and yellow rattle. During the summer, it supports numerous butterflies, bumblebees, and other invertebrates. Mammals found in the area include rabbits, badgers, and muntjac deer.

Sustainability

The management of the site is based on organic cultivation and the use of sustainable materials. No chemicals are used in the maintenance of Cowslip Meadow.

Map of Cowslip Meadow

Located between the St James’s Churchyard and the A428 bypass (Branston Way), the meadow has full public access. The area covered by the Cowslip Meadow can be seen below.

A history of Cowslip Meadow

The erstwhile arable fields known as Top, Willow, Furlong, Baulk, South, and Great were originally part of the open‑field system in Biddenham—a traditional medieval strip-farming setup—later consolidated and farmed under the local manorial estate.

From at least the 12th century, Biddenham was a manorial parish, held by families such as the Traillys, de Ros, Passelowes, Woodvilles, Dyves, Trevors, and eventually by the Wingfield family in the 18th–20^th century.

By the mid-19th century, these open-field strips—including South Field, Great Field, and likely the furlongs and baulks—had been absorbed into Church Farm, leased from the Wingfields. According to a farm map around 1861, these fields were used for arable crops like wheat, turnips, swedes, mangolds, or were laid fallow.

By the early 20th century (circa 1899–1925), Church Farm and Manor Farm—totalling several hundred acres—remained under Wingfield ownership and were tenanted by individuals such as William Lavender (d. 1886), Robert Whitworth, and Alfred Anthony Chibnall.

The Wingfield family

The Wingfield family were the Lords of the Manor of Biddenham, landowners and influential tenants in the area for centuries. The Manor of Biddenham passed through notable families before coming to the Wingfields in the early 19th century. Throughout the 19th and early–mid 20th century, the Wingfield family owned significant tracts of land and properties in Biddenham, including Church Farm.

The Water Meadow at Cowslip Meadow

The area around Cowslip Meadow includes former water meadow systems connected to the River Great Ouse, which runs adjacent to the site. These water meadows would have been part of historic agricultural practices, utilising floodwaters to enhance grass growth. Over time, with changing farming methods and the decline of traditional water meadow management in the 20th century, these areas transitioned into semi-natural wet grasslands and floodplain meadows.

What Are Water Meadows?

Water meadows are artificially flooded grasslands, traditionally managed to improve pasture quality by controlled irrigation. Historically, they were used in Bedfordshire and across England for winter and early spring grazing and haymaking, benefiting from nutrient-rich silt deposited by the flooding.

The meadow throughout the year

SPRING (March to May)

This is the season of regeneration. There will be white blossom on the Cherry trees and Blackthorn (sloe bushes). The trees and shrubs surrounding the meadow provide an important habitat for wildlife.

The meadow gradually tums yellow as the Cowslips begin to appear, followed by Yellow Rattle and Buttercups. Butterflies begin to emerge. You may see Brimstones, Orange-Tips, Peacocks, Holly Blues and Commas. The Biddenham Conservation Volunteers monitor the butterflies from April to September.

Listen out for the Robins, Blue Tits, Chiffchaffs, Woodpeckers and other birds. Red Kites and Buzzards can often be seen soaring above Cowslip Meadow.

SUMMER (June to August)

A transformation now occurs, as the wildflowers and grasses add a variety of colour. There are over 100 different species of wildflowers, grasses and trees which have been recorded. The meadow comes alive with insects; bees, moths and dragonflies are just some of them.

Butterflies become more numerous, and you will be able to spot Marbled Whites, Meadow Browns, Gatekeepers and Speckled Woods. Peacocks and Red Admirals may settle on the path in front of you.

Grass snakes have a yellow band around their neck.

They will not harm you but may spray a smelly liquid if threatened. They like a watery habitat as they feed on amphibians such as frogs, toads and news.

Cowslips (Primula veris) are the most abundant wildflower in this meadow. They are in the same plant family as the Primrose and are an important source of nectar for insects. Once common in the UK, they are becoming increasingly rare due to loss of meadowland.

Did you know?

Not all Cowslips are yellow. Look out for the less common ‘sports’ which may be red or orange.
Each Cowslip may have up to 20 ‘bells.

AUTUMN (September to November)

Fruits are ripening. You may find cherries, sloes, rosehips, haws and You will find hazelnuts, acorns, cones and seeds – if the fieldmice and squirrels haven’t taken them already! This is a good time to look for fungi in the grass and around the trees.

The meadow is cut towards the end of the season to allow the wildflowers and grasses to regenerate. Small mammals and reptiles will be looking for places to hibernate and some butterflies and moths over winter here

WINTER (December to February)

Although it may be cold and dead looking, the meadow is very much alive. Rabbits are not difficult to spot! You may also see the footprints of foxes, badgers and Muntjac deer that come into the meadow.

Even though insects have become scarce, birds will be feeding on berries and seeds which they find on the trees and bushes. Look out for catkins on Hazel and Alder trees and black buds on the ash trees

Countryside Code

Take only photographs and memories. Leave nothing but your footprints. This meadow is an important wildlife environment, and visitors are encouraged to keep to the pathways.

About Biddenham Conservation Volunteers (BCV)

Biddenham Conservation Volunteers (BCV) is a friendly, informal group working to preserve and improve the natural environment of the Parish. They carry out regular conservation tasks including tree planting plant, tree and butterfly surveys, coppicing, crown raising and building dead hedges. BCV welcomes new volunteers.

No experience is needed as training is given. It’s a great opportunity to learn new skills and make friends.