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This public open space, owned by Colchester Council, shares the ridge on which the town of Colchester developed, overlooking the flood plain of the River Colne. It is part of the Sheepen site that was an industrial and commercial area of Colchester in Iron Age and Roman times: most of it is a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
Since farming stopped about 40 years ago it has developed a mosaic of varied habitats. Much of it is grassland partially invaded by scrub and woodland, but the eastern section towards the town has very sandy soils and patches of heathland have developed, with broom and gorse patches.
At the foot of the slope against Cymbeline Way is a marsh fed by springs. Ponds that had silted up over the years have now been restored. Noctule and pipistrelle bats feed over the ponds: visit late on a warm evening to see them.
Buntings Meadow to the west is managed particularly for butterflies and has a butterfly trail.
Visiting
Accessed via Sussex Road, that runs north off Lexden Road (A1124). Please park with consideration for residents.
Frequent bus services from Colchester Town Centre to Lexden and Stanway run along Lexden Road.
Accessible at all times.
Most paths are unsuitable for wheelchairs because of the steep terrain.