Framlingham Wildlife Walks
The Mere, Framlingham
One of the finest views in inland Suffolk; stand on the castle ramparts and look down on this wetland paradise of Framlingham Mere.
Not only is this is a beautiful site but a fascinating wildlife habitat. The sedge beds - a rare in Suffolk - and stream are home to hundreds of migrating birds. Marshed marigolds, delicate ragged-robin and lady's smock litter the banks in spring, and if water levels are not too high you can see green and common sandepiper and snipe.
Mickfield Meadow, Mickfield
Villages around Framlingham
Earl Soham
Earl Soham owes its epithet to being anciently held by the Earls of Norfolk – the Bigod family of Framlingham Castle fame, while 'Soham' can be translated as 'farm by the lake' - all that remains of the original lake being a big reedy bog at the west end of the village, south of Soham Lodge.
Framlingham Castle
Framlingham Castle
Arriving at Framlingham Castle today we see the extensive remains of a magnificent 12th century stone enclosure. Built by Roger Bigod, Earl of Norfolk, and influential member of the court of Henry II, the castle, together with the Mere, was designed both as a stronghold and as a symbol of power and status.