Bonds Meadow
Where Nature Thrives and Hearts Bloom
Bonds Meadow
Maintained by volunteers for the betterment and well-being of the community.
The Bonds Meadow Community Association, representing the East Suffolk Council, is committed to the preservation and enhancement of biodiversity within a seven-acre expanse encompassing wetland, woodland, and meadow. Strategically situated amidst a residential locality, this verdant enclave serves as a sanctuary of natural beauty, dedicated to the enrichment of the community and the legacy of future generations
Our Mission Statement
Bonds Meadow Community Association exists to preserve and nurture the seven-acre wildlife reserve known as Bonds Meadow Oulton Broad, promoting conservation and biodiversity for the benefit of wildlife and the public. On behalf of the landowners, we aim to maintain and conserve the delicate balance between people, animals, and nature through community collaboration and education, which will be achieved by promoting a volunteering ethos.
John Ward, Chair of the Bonds Meadow Community Association
Hello and welcome to the new, updated Bonds Meadow website.
We’ve had our website for over ten years now and decided it was time to modernise it and make it easier for you to navigate.
So whether you are a regular visitor here, who will see the difference, or this is your first time, please bear with us while we finish off the re-design and iron out any wrinkles.
A Volunteer’s Reflection: The Surprising Revival of Bonds Meadow
This year, despite the usual winter grumbles about the cold, and muddy footpaths, we’ve been treated to an extraordinary revival in Bonds Meadow. The relentless rain that once seemed like a nuisance has now revealed its hidden benefits.
As spring unfolded and summer flourished, the landscape underwent a stunning transformation. Trees and plants, emboldened by the moisture, have surged with new life, while a fascinating array of fungi, insects, birds, and amphibians have made their presence known in greater numbers than we’ve seen in years.
One of the most remarkable changes has been the resurgence of the ponds, now brimming with water levels we haven’t witnessed in recent memory. The once-familiar footpaths have become lush tunnels of greenery, where brambles and nettles stretch out as if to reclaim the space. This exuberant growth has kept us volunteers on our toes, constantly trimming back the vegetation to maintain the trails. Yet, this challenge is a welcome one—the woodland has never looked so vibrant and teeming with life.
The surprises aren’t limited to the plant life. Recently, while turning over a section of rotten log, I stumbled upon an entire microcosm. A vole’s nest, clusters of busy insects, a shy common lizard, and even the eerie but fascinating dead man’s fingers fungus all revealed themselves from the hidden world beneath the bark. It was a reminder of the intricate web of life that thrives in the meadow, often just out of sight.
This year’s transformation is a powerful testament to the resilience of nature and the often-unseen work that goes into preserving it. Bonds Meadow, with its newly revived energy, stands as a vivid example of how quickly and beautifully an ecosystem can rebound. As volunteers, we are more motivated than ever, knowing that our efforts are helping to maintain this sanctuary, ensuring it remains a vibrant haven for all who inhabit it.
