Further information

The ‘village end’ of Flordon Common has a play area and public open space.

Springs emerge on the valley-side bearing base-rich waters from the underlying chalk and in these areas species-rich calcareous fen has developed. On higher ground there is unimproved pasture which includes a number of species characteristic of chalk grassland.

Calcareous spring-fed fens are rare in Britain and the site is considered to be one of the best remaining examples in Norfolk.

The Common continues to be managed in a traditional manner by light summer grazing and this has ensured the survival of many locally uncommon plants. A rare species of mollusc also occurs. The flushed areas on the wetter parts of the fen are dominated by Bog-rush Schoenus nigricans and Blunt-flowered Rush Juncus subnodulosus over a carpet of mosses. These species-rich areas contain a number of uncommon plants including Butterwort Pinguicula vulgaris, Bog Pimpernel Anagallis tenella, Fragrant Orchid Gymnadenia conopsea, Marsh Helleborine Epipactis palustris and the rare Narrow-leaved Marsh Orchid Dactylorhiza traunsteineri. Conditions are locally acidic and this has encouraged the recent growth of a few tussocks of Bog Moss Sphagnum sp.

The drier parts of the fen are dominated by Purple Moor-grass Molina caerulea, Bluntflowered Rush and several species of Sedge Carex spp. Many characteristic fenland plants cocur including Southern Marsh Orchid Dactylorhiza praetermissa, Ragged Robin Lychnis flos-cuculi, Marsh Valerian Valeriana dioica, Marsh Arrow-grass Triglochin palustris and Twayblade Listera ovata.

Grazed unimproved chalky grassland surrounds the fen on higher ground and is dominated by a variety of grasses including Sheep’s Fescue Festuca ovina, Quaking Grass Briza media, Yorkshire Fog Holcus lanatus and Brown Bent-grass Agrostis canina. An interesting range of herb-species are present and include Cowslip Primula veris, Yellow Rattle Rhinanthus minor, Hoary Plantain Plantago media, Adder’s Tongue Ophioglossum vulgatum and Bee Orchid Ophrys apifera. Additional interest is provided by a stream, areas of tall fen dominated by Reed Phragmites australis with frequent Panicled Sedge Carex paniculata, and small areas of Alder carr woodland over a ground flora of Yellow Flag Iris pseudacorus, Nettle Urtica dioica and Water Mint Mentha aquatica.

The very rare Narrow-mouthed Whorl Snail Vertigo angustior has been recorded on the site.