Reserves and species

Posted by wiltshire
2011-06-22 11:44

Morgan's Hill

The reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its orchids, butterflies and for the general quality of chalk grassland and wildflowers. It is believed the hill was named after a local man, John Morgan, who in 1720 was hung at this prominent site for murdering his uncle. Birds found at the reserve include kestrel, buzzard, yellow hammer and skylark.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
Size: 
10.07
Short Description: 
Chalk downland reserve with spectacular views over the north Wiltshire countryside - an excellent place to visit at any time of the year
Smartphone Description: 
The reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its orchids, butterflies and for the general quality of chalk grassland and wildflowers. It is believed the hill was named after a local man, John Morgan, who in 1720 was hung at this prominent site for murdering his uncle. Birds found at the reserve include kestrel, buzzard, yellow hammer and skylark.
Location
Address: 
On the road towards Calne, off the A361 between Devizes and Swindon/Marlborough.
Town: 
Calne
County: 
Wiltshire
Postcode: 
SN11 8PZ
Grid ref: 
SU025672
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Access: 
Yes
Access info: 
Public footpaths, not suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Please keep dogs on a lead.
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
At Smallgrain picnic site. Warning for cyclists: the road approaching the picnic site is steep, windy, narrow and fast.
Walking information: 
The byway leading to the reserve is deeply rutted and not suitable for wheelchair users.
Grazing animals?: 
0
Grazing animals: 
Dexter cattle, herdwick sheep
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
01380 725670
Reserve email address: 
information@wiltshirewildlife.org
Reserver deep link: 
http://www.wiltshirewildlife.org/Reserves/morganshill.htm
Photos
Photo: 
Morgan's Hill
Best time to visit
Start: 
April
End: 
September
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by wiltshire
2011-06-22 11:44

Middleton Down

Middleton Down is a superb example of the traditional chalk downland that was once widespread in Britain. In early May the slopes are covered with hundreds of cowslips and early purple orchids. In summer the reserve is alive with colour from flowers and butterflies and the sounds of grasshoppers and skylarks.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
Size: 
25.42
Short Description: 
Flowers, butterflies and a wonderful landscape sum up Middleton Down
Smartphone Description: 
Middleton Down is a superb example of the traditional chalk downland that was once widespread in Britain. In early May the slopes are covered with hundreds of cowslips and early purple orchids. In summer the reserve is alive with colour from flowers and butterflies and the sounds of grasshoppers and skylarks.
Location
Address: 
To the south of the village of Broad Chalke.
Town: 
Wilton
County: 
Wiltshire
Postcode: 
SP5 5DT
Grid ref: 
SU047238
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Access: 
Yes
Access info: 
Public footpaths, not suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Please keep dogs on a lead.
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Parking before track fork, 0.25 miles from reserve entrance. Please do not block gate.
Walking information: 
The Reserve can be approached on foot from Broad Chalke via Church Bottom track, a valley which runs south from the village. Start at grid reference SU047238 and walk for one mile. Take care as the slopes are very steep to climb.
Grazing animals?: 
0
Grazing animals: 
Dexter cattle
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
01380 725670
Reserve email address: 
information@wiltshirewildlife.org
Reserver deep link: 
http://www.wiltshirewildlife.org/Reserves/middletondown.htm
Photos
Photo: 
Middleton Down
Best time to visit
Start: 
April
End: 
September
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by wiltshire
2011-06-22 11:44

Lower Moor Farm

Opened in 2007, Lower Moor Farm simply is the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
Size: 
38.35
Short Description: 
A wonderful waterscape of three lakes, two brooks, ponds and wetland scrapes linked together by ancient hedges, woodland and meadows.
Smartphone Description: 
Opened in 2007, Lower Moor Farm simply is the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust.
Location
Address: 
Entrance is on the B4696, near Somerford Keynes.
Town: 
Cricklade
County: 
Wiltshire
Postcode: 
SN16 9TW
Grid ref: 
SU007939
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
Vistor centre?
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
Yes Toilets
Disabled toilet: 
Disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Access: 
Yes
Access info: 
Public footpaths, wheelchair access to one bird hide and across boardwalk to Mallard Lake. Please keep dogs on a lead.
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
There is parking at the visitor centre.
Walking information: 
Seasonal trail guides are available to download. There is a children's discovery trail. Beyond boardwalk to Mallard Lake footpath can be muddy.
Grazing animals: 
Cattle, sheep
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
01380 725670
Reserve email address: 
information@wiltshirewildlife.org
Reserver deep link: 
http://www.wiltshirewildlife.org/Reserves/lowermoorfarm.htm
Photos
Photo: 
Lower Moor Farm
Best time to visit
Start: 
January
End: 
December
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by wiltshire
2011-06-22 11:44

Little Langford Down

A chalk downland coombe surrounded on almost all sides by Grovely Wood and scattered with scrub and old oak trees. This variety of habitats supports a wide range of wildlife including many rarities. A striking feature of this reserve is the hundreds of ancient anthills many of which have built up to a considerable size.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
Size: 
7.37
Short Description: 
A little stretch of chalk downland set against a wooded backdrop
Smartphone Description: 
A chalk downland coombe surrounded on almost all sides by Grovely Wood and scattered with scrub and old oak trees. This variety of habitats supports a wide range of wildlife including many rarities. A striking feature of this reserve is the hundreds of ancient anthills many of which have built up to a considerable size. This is an exceptional site for butterflies, 36 species have been recorded since 1990, and there is a rich array of flora with over 140 recorded plant species.
Location
Address: 
Grovley Road, Great Wishford.
Town: 
Wilton
County: 
Wiltshire
Grid ref: 
SU046348
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Access: 
Yes
Access info: 
Public footpaths, not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs. Please keep dogs on a lead.
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Park at small car park, near the sign for Grovely Wood.
Walking information: 
There is approx. 40 minute walk from the car park to the reserve.
Grazing animals: 
Cattle
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
01380 725670
Reserve email address: 
information@wiltshirewildlife.org
Reserver deep link: 
https://www.wiltshirewildlife.org/little-langford-down-wilton
Photos
Photo: 
Little Langford Down
Best time to visit
Start: 
April
End: 
July
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by wiltshire
2011-06-22 11:44

Landford Bog

The bog is in the centre of the Reserve and is a floating carpet of feathery sphagnum moss that supports an undulating expanse of Heather (Calluna vulgaris) and clumps of Purple Moor-Grass (Molinia caerulea). All of this is punctured by dark pools of water. On the eastern side of the Reserve is a wet woodland

Reserve details
Trust: 
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
Size: 
6.65
Short Description: 
Landford Bog is a fine example of the now internationally rare lowland bog and wet heath habitats
Smartphone Description: 
The bog is in the centre of the Reserve and is a floating carpet of feathery sphagnum moss that supports an undulating expanse of Heather (Calluna vulgaris) and clumps of Purple Moor-Grass (Molinia caerulea). All of this is punctured by dark pools of water. On the eastern side of the Reserve is a wet woodland.
Location
Address: 
Just outside Landford, on the road towards Brammshaw.
Town: 
Near Salisbury
County: 
Wiltshire
Grid ref: 
SU259186
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Access: 
Yes
Access info: 
Public footpaths, not suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Please keep dogs on a lead.
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Parking available in small lay-by
Grazing animals?: 
0
Grazing animals: 
Cattle
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
01380 725670
Reserve email address: 
information@wiltshirewildlife.org
Reserver deep link: 
http://www.wiltshirewildlife.org/Reserves/landfordbog.htm
Photos
Photo: 
Landford Bog
Best time to visit
Start: 
April
End: 
August
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by wiltshire
2011-06-22 11:44

Jones's Mill

With its network of ditches, ridges and furrows; evidence of their past use as traditional water meadows; it is the county

Reserve details
Trust: 
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
Size: 
32.91
Short Description: 
A quiet and secluded nature reserve
Smartphone Description: 
Jones's Mill is a fen, made up of wet woodland (called alder carr), ponds and wet grassland. With its network of ditches, ridges and furrows; evidence of their past use as traditional water meadows; it is home to wildlife that thrives in wet conditions.
Location
Address: 
Dursden Lane, off the B3087, near Pewsey.
Town: 
Pewsey
County: 
Wiltshire
Postcode: 
SN9 5JN
Grid ref: 
SU169611
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Access: 
Yes
Access info: 
Public footpaths, not suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Please keep dogs on a lead.
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Small parking area close to reserve entrance, or park at Pewsey Wharf.
Walking information: 
The Reserve is criss-crossed with paths, giving good access to most areas, but the peaty soil remains wet underfoot for most of the year, making wellies the footwear of choice, even in summer.
Grazing animals?: 
0
Grazing animals: 
Belted Galloway cattle
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
01380 725670
Reserve email address: 
information@wiltshirewildlife.org
Reserver deep link: 
http://www.wiltshirewildlife.org/Reserves/jonesmill.htm
Photos
Photo: 
Jones's Mill
Best time to visit
Start: 
April
End: 
July
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by wiltshire
2011-06-22 11:44

High Clear Down

A beautiful chalk downland slope. It is a particularly important downland site as it is the only one in the area where so many plants and animals can be found together. Due to the lack of fertilizers, wildflowers such as the rare early gentian and many butterflies thrive here.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
Size: 
10.07
Short Description: 
An exceptional example of a traditionally managed chalk downland
Smartphone Description: 
A beautiful chalk downland slope. It is a particularly important downland site as it is the only one in the area where so many plants and animals can be found together. Due to the lack of fertilizers, wildflowers such as the rare early gentian and many butterflies thrive here.
Location
Address: 
South east of Swindon, near the village of Aldbourne.
Town: 
Marlborough
County: 
Wiltshire
Postcode: 
SN8 2LE
Grid ref: 
SU237762
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Access: 
Yes
Access info: 
Public footpaths, not suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Please keep dogs on a lead.
Parking: 
No
Walking information: 
Reserve can only be reached on foot. There is a 1.5 mile walk along rough tracks to reach the reserve entrance. Walking is easier at the bottom of the slope.
Grazing animals?: 
0
Grazing animals: 
Cattle
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
01380 725670
Reserve email address: 
information@wiltshirewildlife.org
Reserver deep link: 
http://www.wiltshirewildlife.org/Reserves/highcleardown.htm
Photos
Photo: 
High Clear Down
Best time to visit
Start: 
April
End: 
September
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by wiltshire
2011-06-22 11:44

Ham Hill

The steep banks support a diverse assemblage of plants and associated invertebrates from springtime flowers to orchids and butterflies in summer. The site is important for its population of Musk Orchid, a nationally scarce species that is found in very few sites in Wiltshire; several hundred flower in a good year but usually fewer are seen. The views from the embankment across the surrounding countryside are spectacular.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
Size: 
1.51
Short Description: 
Small, very steep chalk downland reserve with abundant wildlife
Smartphone Description: 
The steep banks support a diverse assemblage of plants and associated invertebrates from springtime flowers to orchids and butterflies in summer. The site is important for its population of Musk Orchid, a nationally scarce species that is found in very few sites in Wiltshire; several hundred flower in a good year but usually fewer are seen. The views from the embankment across the surrounding countryside are spectacular.
Location
Address: 
South of Ham village on the road to Buttermere.
Town: 
Hungerford
County: 
Wiltshire
Postcode: 
SN8 3RG
Grid ref: 
SU333617
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Access: 
Yes
Access info: 
Not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs. Dogs must be kept on a lead.
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
There is room for 2 cars on the edge of the road beside the kissing gate at the northern end of the reserve. There is also space to park at the southern end of the Reserve by woodland.
Walking information: 
The site is vulnerable to large numbers of visitors. Please stay on the path and do not attempt to climb the steep northwest-facing slope as this will damage the wildflower population, particularly the orchids.
Grazing animals?: 
0
Grazing animals: 
Sheep
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
01380 725670
Reserve email address: 
information@wiltshirewildlife.org
Reserver deep link: 
http://www.wiltshirewildlife.org/Reserves/hamhill.htm
Photos
Photo: 
Ham Hill
Best time to visit
Start: 
April
End: 
July
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by wiltshire
2011-06-22 11:44

Hagbourne Copse

Area of secondary semi-natural woodland which was planted several hundred years ago. It consists of Oak standards and some coppiced trees. Below the trees in spring it has an impressive covering of Bluebells. There are numerous species of fungi; at least 22 species have been recorded. The reserve also has a pond in the southeast corner.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
Size: 
2.01
Short Description: 
Ancient woodland which offers a fantastic display of bluebells in the spring
Smartphone Description: 
Area of secondary semi-natural woodland which was planted several hundred years ago. It consists of Oak standards and some coppiced trees. Below the trees in spring it has an impressive covering of Bluebells. There are numerous species of fungi; at least 22 species have been recorded. The reserve also has a pond in the southeast corner.
Location
Address: 
Frankland Road, just before junction 16 of the M4.
Town: 
Swindon
County: 
Wiltshire
Postcode: 
SN5 8YW
Grid ref: 
SU105829
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Access: 
Yes
Access info: 
Public footpaths, not suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Please keep dogs on a lead.
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
There is some parking along Frankland Road.
Walking information: 
Follow circular walk for a short, relaxing stroll. A pond-dipping platform can be accessed from the path.
Grazing animals: 
No
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
01380 725670
Reserve email address: 
information@wiltshirewildlife.org
Reserver deep link: 
http://www.wiltshirewildlife.org/Reserves/hagbournecopse.htm
Photos
Photo: 
Hagbourne Copse
Best time to visit
Start: 
April
End: 
July
Best time to visit
Start: 
September
End: 
November
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by wiltshire
2011-06-22 11:44

Green Lane Wood

Green Lane Wood dates back to Domesday times and offers a wildlife experience for almost every season. Come in spring for woodland wildflowers, in summer for butterflies and in autumn for trees and fungi. Over 160 species of plants have been identified here.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
Size: 
40.46
Short Description: 
Beautiful ancient woodland with a small wild flower meadow on the northern edge of the reserve
Smartphone Description: 
Green Lane Wood dates back to Domesday times and offers a wildlife experience for almost every season. Come in spring for woodland wildflowers, in summer for butterflies and in autumn for trees and fungi. Over 160 species of plants have been identified here.
Location
Address: 
A350 Yarnbrook Road
Town: 
Trowbridge
County: 
Wiltshire
Postcode: 
BA14 6DE
Grid ref: 
ST886577
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Access: 
Yes
Access info: 
It is intended that the main access to the whole site should be through the new housing development. Until the building works are complete the main access is through Green Lane Wood, off the A350. Please take care pulling off/onto the A350 as the road can be very busy. Suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Dogs on leads are welcome.
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Green Lane Wood car park in small break in woodland on right hand side of road when heading south from Melksham.
Walking information: 
The rides are being covered with stones to help access (both for necessary work and visitors), and to save excessive damage to the wet clay surfaces.
Grazing animals: 
No
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
01380 725670
Reserve email address: 
information@wiltshirewildlife.org
Reserver deep link: 
http://www.wiltshirewildlife.org/Reserves/greenlanewood.htm
Photos
Photo: 
Green Lane Wood
Best time to visit
Start: 
April
End: 
July
Best time to visit
Start: 
September
End: 
November
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve