Cribbs Meadow NNR
The reserve was once a single field, part of a local field pattern thought to have been created by the enclosure of Edmonthorpe Parish in 1580. The meadow, together with the field to the north, was 'glebe' land belonging to the vicar of Edmonthorpe.
County: Leicestershire
Main habitats: Lowland Grassland
Area: 4 Ha
Site map: Nature on the Map
Although most NNRs are managed by Natural England, 88 are wholly or partly managed by other bodies approved by Council, under Section 35 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Cribbs Lodge Meadow NNR is owned and managed by the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust.
The meadow supports wild flowers once typical of chalk clay pastures in Leicestershire. These include cowslips, green-winged orchid and greater burnet. Scarce butterflies such as dingy and grizzled skipper are found here, as well as the black chimney sweep moth.
The reserve's name is derived from nearby Cribb's Lodge. This name commemorates the occasion when the famous prize-fighter, Tom Cribb, fought Tom Molyneux at Thistleton Gap in 1811; the last bare-fist prize-fight to take place in England.
Location and access
The reserve is 2 km north west of the village of Thistleton. The eastern boundary of the reserve is formed by the minor road from Thistleton to Wymondham, 5 km to the west.
The nearest train stations are in Melton Mowbray (15 km to the west) and Oakham (12 km to the south).
For details of local bus services see Lincolnshire County Council's Bus Travel.
A major trail, the Viking Way passes near the reserve.
Facilities
The nearest toilet and refreshment facilities are in local villages.
