Any upcoming public "events" can be viewed by clicking here.

There are usually two or three Open Days per year at each Reserve.

SORRY!  BECAUSE OF THE RESIDENT STOCK / WILDLIFE, STRICTLY NO DOGS!

SIMPSON'S FROMUS VALLEY
Main Road, Kelsale,
Saxmundham

Set your satnav to postcode IP17 2RG or (preferably) 52.2438°N  1.4903°E      
OS Grid Reference TM384664
For a map view, visit https://map.what3words.com/handsets.paddlers.ants

☞  Please note that the Google Maps "View Map" feature on each Fromus Valley event uses the local postcode, so is slightly inaccurate: the road entrance is about 350 metres SOUTH of their red pointer.

The entrance is a small track on the western (left) side of the A12, just north of the northern end of the Saxmundham bypass.

From the North and Yoxford on the A12, it is dangerous to attempt to enter the track directly, so it is better to turn around at the B1121 (the exit for Saxmundham/Leiston), or a short way before that in the lay-by at the entrance to Park Gate Farm.  Then follow the route from the South.

From the South on the A12, 500 metres after the B1121 junction at the north end of the Saxmundham bypass, you will see two white stone swans on the left.  Immediately start to slow right down because, 100 metres or so further on, you will see a narrow track leading obliquely off to the left.  This is the entrance to Simpson's Fromus Valley Reserve.  Drive directly into the field.

A public footpath crossing the northern section of the Reserve provides a right of way through a small part of it, but does not give general access.

You can download the access-route instructions above by clicking here.

For a visitors' map of the Reserve, visit the "Our Reserves" page.

Trustees and volunteers will be on hand for guided tours, or you can take a self-guide leaflet and explore the 28 acres at leisure.  There's something for everyone medieval earthworks, bugs, butterflies, spiders, dragonflies, birdlife and, of course, wild flowers!  Wear long trousers/sleeves and sturdy boots as the ground is uneven and may be muddy and there are hungry insects hoping for warm humans to stumble across them!  We look forward to welcoming you but SORRY, NO DOGS.

In April we have the spring flora and early butterflies, in June the orchids and meadow grasses.  August brings dragonflies to the late summer meadow.  In the Autumn, harvest sloes, bullaces and black-berries are all there for the picking from the hedgerows for your larder — just leave some for the birds!

☞   Broadly, our Open Days at Fromus Valley coincide with these highlights, around mid-April, mid-June and late September — but watch our "upcoming Open Days" page.

ORCHID GLADE
Boulge Road, Hasketon
,
Woodbridge   

☞  Visitors should be aware that the ground surface is irregular, there's no shelter, only parking for about eight cars.

Set your satnav to postcode IP13 6JS or (preferably) 52.1175°N  1.2894°E      

OS Grid Reference TM253516

For a map view, visit
https://map.what3words.com/date.shortcuts.husbands

☞  Please note that the Google Maps "View Map" feature on each Orchid Glade event uses the local postcode, so is slightly inaccurate: the road entrance is some 350 metres SOUTH-WEST of their red pointer.

Travelling north on the A12, shortly after the Sutton Hoo/Melton roundabout at Woodbridge, just beyond Saddlemakers Lane, take the first left, signposted to Bredfield.

From the north, after the end of the Wickham Market by-pass A12 dual carriageway, take the second right signposted to Bredfield. 

In Bredfield village centre, keep left by the wrought-iron signpost, then bear immediately left again towards Hasketon (so not to Debach).  After 800m, at the junction keep left, then pass Rose Cottage (on your left) and a footpath sign (pointing to the right).  The lane straightens, with woodland on your right and arable fields on your left.  Immediately beyond a slight curve right, see the entrance to Orchid Glade also on your right, opposite a field-entrance — if you reach the signpost for "Woodbridge 2", you have gone 120 metres too far.  Drive in and park in the surfaced area to your right.

Download the access-route instructions above by clicking here.

For a visitors' map, visit the "Our Reserves" page.

☞  In general, our Open Days at Orchid Glade fall around mid-June, when it really lives up to its name, and early August, when the butterflies are at their most numerous — but watch our "upcoming Open Days" page.

RESERVES ACCESS POLICY

 

SUBSCRIBING GUARDIANS (members) may visit the Trust's two Reserves at all reasonable times by the access points described below.  Guardians know the number to open the combination locks as, to provide protection to sensitive (and potentially rare) flora, THE GATES TO BOTH RESERVES ARE NORMALLY LOCKED and closed to unauthorised visitors.  If you are the last to leave, please close the gate and reset the padlock when you do so. 

However, ON OPEN DAYS, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE MOST WELCOME.  The annual programme is published early in  the year after our AGM, when the dates appear on our upcoming Open Days page the dates chosen depend on each Reserve's particular highlights, outlined above.  On these few Open Days only, the Reserve entrance will be marked with a welcome sign.  Trust Guardians will be on hand to explain flora, fauna and landscape matters to you and you can join us as a friend or volunteer at the same time!

GROUP VISITS:  If your organisation has a related interest in flora, fauna or landscape history, and would like to visit the Reserves at other times, please contact us via the enquiries-email or postal address on the Administration page.

Be prepared for British coastal weather: there is no shelter, except for a tiny cowshed at Fromus Valley! 
Both sites are wild, with no amenities, no loos and limited parking.  
You require suitable clothing and sturdy footwear.
Enjoy the peace and beauty of each managed wildlife area.
"Take only photographs, leave only footprints"

When it is, or has been, wet you most decidely will need your wellies at Orchid Glade! 
See the drone video — especially the winter part!

Should you need more specific directions than we give, please email us at least a day before your proposed visit.