Magdalen College, Oxford, Oxfordshire

AS part of Oxford University, many would associate Magdalen College with education and English tradition. But for those who know it well it may also conjure the memory of the water meadow in its grounds filled with the nodding heads of the rare snake’s-head fritillary (Fritillaria meleagris), writes Plantlife botanist Dr Trevor Dines.

Every spring in the water meadow this bell-like flower can be seen by the thousand, blooming on slender stems in uniquely chequered purple, pink and white colours. The meadow is an island in the River Cherwell which often floods after heavy rainfall. The result is an abundance of snake’s-head fritillaries creating a rich magentapurple scene. These flowers once were plentiful but changing farm practices have made them a rare sight. To be able to see the flowers at the college is a delight.

To fully enable visitors to appreciate the true beauty of the fritillaries, the water meadow is surrounded by Addison’s Walk, a circular path. The picturesque route allows spectators to marvel at the glorious snake’s-head fritillaries offset by beautiful English woodland. This location has a quintessentially English feel, which may be why Addison’s Walk was a favourite of English writer C. S. Lewis, who would often be accompanied by J. R. R. Tolkien; the walk inspired Lewis’s poem What the Bird Said Early in the Year.

‘I heard in Addison’s Walk a bird sing clear:/this year the summer will come true. This year. This year.’

Staff of Magdalen College have conserved this site, giving its rare flower space to bloom and spread, while allowing the public to wander and enjoy

English countryside at its magical best.