Reserves and species

Posted by herefordshire
2011-06-22 10:31

Upper Swingley Wood

The reserve consists of a long, narrow strip of coppice woodland. A small stream rises near the south end of the site and runs down the centre of the wood, bounded on both sides by marshy ground.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Herefordshire Wildlife Trust
Size: 
0.80
Short Description: 
A long narrow strip of woodland with a small stream running through the centre
Smartphone Description: 
The reserve consists of a long, narrow strip of coppice woodland. A small stream rises near the south end of the site and runs down the centre of the wood, bounded on both sides by marshy ground. Originally, the reserve would have been dominated by Alder and Willow, but in 1811 the Bockleton estate planted the area up as an "Ash bed", probably to supply poles for the nearby hop-yards. As a result of this planting, although Alder and Willow still grow in the marshy parts, in the drier areas there are now massive old coppiced Ash stools, covered in mosses and lichens, and forming a particular feature of the reserve. The ancient nature of this wood is confirmed by the distinctive ground flora with large amounts of bluebell, primroses and moschatel.
Location
Address: 
Upper Swingley Wood
Town: 
Bockleton
County: 
Herefordshire
Grid ref: 
SO 589 625
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: 
No
Access info: 
Terrain can be difficult and parts of the reserve remain damp all year round. Visitors are advised to wear suitable clothing.
Parking: 
No
Parking info: 
Space for one or two cars on roadside
Walking information: 
Parts of the reserve remain very damp even in summer and waterproof footwear is advised.
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Herefordshire Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
01432 356872
Reserve email address: 
enquiries@herefordshirewt.co.uk
Reserver deep link: 
http://www.herefordshirewt.org/reserves/swingley.htm
Photos
Photo: 
Best time to visit
Start: 
April
End: 
July
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by herefordshire
2011-06-22 10:31

Titley Pool

Titley Pool is one of a number of naturally formed lakes between

Reserve details
Trust: 
Herefordshire Wildlife Trust
Size: 
9.30
Short Description: 
One of a number of naturally formed lakes in an area of low rounded hills formed from Ice Age debris
Smartphone Description: 
Titley Pool is one of a number of naturally formed lakes between Kington and Mortimer's Cross. They occupy hollows in an area of low, rounded hills formed from debris accumulated during the melting of ice at the end of the last Ice Age. The Pool is one of the largest natural open areas of water in Herefordshire. It is a suitable breeding site for great crested grebes. It also attracts flocks of wintering duck, particularly teal, tufted duck, pochard and gosander. In summer, dragonflies and damselflies hawk insects over the water. Fish in the Pool, providing prey for grey herons, grebes and goosander, include perch, roach, eel and pike.
Location
Address: 
Titley Pool
Town: 
Titley
County: 
Herefordshire
Grid ref: 
SO 323 594
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: 
No
Access info: 
Footpaths around the reserve. Visitors are advised to keep to the marked tracks to avoid disturbing the wildlife.
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
There is room to park 5-6 cars before following a footpath across a field to the reserve
Walking information: 
Please be aware that waterfowl are nesting between March and July and avoid unnecessary disturbance of the marshy, rushy areas around the Pool during this period. In particular, dogs should be under close control. Please ensure that field gates are closed after use.
Grazing animals: 
Livestock usually graze the field between the car park and reserve so please ensure all gates are closed behind you
Contact details
Reserve phone number: 
01432 356872
Reserve email address: 
enquiries@herefordshirewt.co.uk
Reserver deep link: 
http://www.herefordshirewt.org/reserves/titley.htm
Photos
Photo: 
Best time to visit
Start: 
April
End: 
July
Best time to visit
Start: 
November
End: 
February
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by herefordshire
2011-06-22 10:31

The Sturts North

Far House Plock, The Sturts North
 

Reserve details
Trust: 
Herefordshire Wildlife Trust
Size: 
20.50
Short Description: 
Seven differing fields lying in the River Wye flood plain
Smartphone Description: 
Lying in the River Wye foold-plain, the seven fields that make up Sturts North are subject to regular winter flooding. The grassland communities in Wet Meadow and Sheep Colt Meadow are particularly noteworthy, with damp hollows and drier ridges forming a mosaic, each with their own micro-habitat and species. Mire and swamp communities occur in the most low-lying sections of Lane Meadow, Far Pole Moor, Long Meadow and Wet Meadow
Location
Address: 
The Sturts North
Town: 
Eardisley
County: 
Herefordshire
Grid ref: 
SO 338 482
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: 
No
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
There is a small car park at the northern end of the reserve
Walking information: 
Please avoid trampling the vegetation in the wet areas, and use the bridges to cross streams and ditches. Conditions underfoot can be wet even in summer so boots are advised.
Grazing animals?: 
0
Grazing animals: 
Livestock are usually present between May and November
Contact details
Reserve phone number: 
01432 356872
Reserve email address: 
enquiries@herefordshirewt.co.uk
Reserver deep link: 
http://www.herefordshirewt.org/reserves/sturts_north.htm
Photos
Photo: 
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by herefordshire
2011-06-22 10:31

The Sturts South

This reserve lies in the flood plain of the River Wye at the western edge of a low-lying basin known as Letton Lakes.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Herefordshire Wildlife Trust
Size: 
16.10
Short Description: 
Lying in the floodplain of the River Wye with an array of botanical and bird species
Smartphone Description: 
This reserve lies in the flood plain of the River Wye at the western edge of a low-lying basin known as Letton Lakes. This entire area is flooded every winter when the water levels rise in a narby river, enriching the grassland soils. The reserve comprises a complex mosaic of grassland and wetland communities. Meadow-sweet, lesser-pond rush and pepper saxifrage can be seen at various areas throughout. There is a wide variety of birds species here throughout the year
Location
Address: 
The Sturts South
Town: 
Eardisley
County: 
Herefordshire
Grid ref: 
SO 336 475
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: 
No
Parking: 
No
Parking info: 
Parking is very limited - one car in front of the gate
Walking information: 
Please avoid trampling the vegetation in the wet areas, and use the bridges to cross streams and ditches. Conditions underfoot can be wet even in summer so boots are advised.
Grazing animals: 
Livestock are often grazed on the reserve following the hay cut
Contact details
Reserve phone number: 
01432 356872
Reserve email address: 
enquiries@herefordshirewt.co.uk
Reserver deep link: 
http://www.herefordshirewt.org/reserves/sturts_south.htm
Photos
Photo: 
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by herefordshire
2011-06-22 10:31

Stockings Meadow


 

Reserve details
Trust: 
Herefordshire Wildlife Trust
Size: 
1.00
Short Description: 
Grassland area with a very rich flora, including a number of orchids
Smartphone Description: 
The name "Stocking" indicates that what is now a field was once woodland cleared for agriculture long ago, leaving the land covered with "stocks" or tree stumps. Large old hedges border the meadow on two sides (north and west) and contain a variety of shrubby species. Bramble thickets adjacent to these hedges provide breeding sites for blackcap, garden warbler and long-tailed tit in season. The meadow has a very rich flora. Numbers of common spotted and heath spotted orchids occur here in close proximity, their species integrity presumably maintained by differences in microhabitat and reproduction, although some hybrids do occur
Location
Address: 
Stockings Meadow, Green Lane
Town: 
Bromyard
County: 
Herefordshire
Grid ref: 
SO 634 546
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Café / Refreshments: 
No
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 under effective control
Access: 
No
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Space for two cars in gateway
Walking information: 
As the reserve is managed as a hay meadow, please only walk around the edge of the field while the hay is growing and keep dogs under control. The field gate must be kept closed at all times. Please also do not enter the roped-off area where orchids are being studied
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Herefordshire Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
01432 356872
Reserve email address: 
enquiries@herefordshirewt.co.uk
Reserver deep link: 
http://www.herefordshirewt.org/reserves/stockings.htm
Photos
Photo: 
Best time to visit
Start: 
April
End: 
August
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by herefordshire
2011-06-22 10:31

Rudge End Quarry

The quarry workings at this reserve are believed to date from the second half of the 19th century but have long been disused. Woodland surrounds this quarry and has doubtless helped in the regeneration of the beech, ash and oak with a holly understorey.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Herefordshire Wildlife Trust
Size: 
0.40
Short Description: 
An old quarry site with an interesting calcicole flora
Smartphone Description: 
The quarry workings at this reserve are believed to date from the second half of the 19th century but have long been disused. Woodland surrounds this quarry and has doubtless helped in the regeneration of the beech, ash and oak with a holly understorey. The botanical interest of the site lies in the calcicole flora, for example stinking hellebore, yellow wort and carline thistle.
Location
Address: 
Rudge End Quarry
Town: 
Fownhope
County: 
Herefordshire
Grid ref: 
SO 588 353
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: 
No
Parking: 
No
Parking info: 
Park in clear area towards end of track, near to Forestry Commission track
Walking information: 
The exposed vertical rock faces have become stabilised by time and vegetation, but are still a hazard for an unwary visitor. Please resist the temptation to remove fossil-bearing rocks from the walls of the quarry, and avoid trampling on the few plants of Stinking Hellebore present
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Herefordshire Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
01432 356872
Reserve email address: 
enquiries@herefordshirewt.co.uk
Reserver deep link: 
http://www.herefordshirewt.org/reserves/rudgeend.htm
Photos
Photo: 
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by herefordshire
2011-06-22 10:31

Romers Wood

This reserve is a fine example of ancient woodland that runs in a steep-sided dingle. The western edge of the wood is also bounded by a steep dingle, and along the northern boundary there is a well-defined woodland bank - a strong indicator of an ancient woodland site. The wood is rich in other wildlife.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Herefordshire Wildlife Trust
Size: 
12.50
Short Description: 
A fine example of ancient woodland that runs in a steep-sided dingle
Smartphone Description: 
This reserve is a fine example of ancient woodland that runs in a steep-sided dingle. The western edge of the wood is also bounded by a steep dingle, and along the northern boundary there is a well-defined woodland bank - a strong indicator of an ancient woodland site. The wood is rich in other wildlife. A survey carried out in 1980 revealed 25 species of mollusc, with several uncommon species restricted to ancient woodlands. The most spectacular insect has to be the hornet. Among the bird species, pied flycatchers are present. Both marsh and willow tits breed here
Location
Address: 
Romers Wood
Town: 
Kyre Green
County: 
Herefordshire
Grid ref: 
SO 602 629
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: 
No
Parking: 
No
Parking info: 
Parking is on the grass verge next to the Memorial Hall (See Motlins Hole)
Walking information: 
There are clearly-marked rides which will take you to most parts of the wood. In winter or after wet weather, these rides may be muddy and slippery and boots are advised at such times. You may encounter Hornets during summer. Although large and dangerous-looking, these insects have a generally quiet disposition and do not normally attack humans.
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Herefordshire Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
01432 356872
Reserve email address: 
enquiries@herefordshirewt.co.uk
Reserver deep link: 
http://www.herefordshirewt.org/reserves/romers.htm
Photos
Photo: 
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by herefordshire
2011-06-22 10:31

Quebb Corner Meadow

The field was formerly a part of the Nieuport estate, and with its past history, together with relatively fertile neutral soils, has produced an exceptionally varied herb-rich sward for such a small field.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Herefordshire Wildlife Trust
Size: 
1.50
Short Description: 
An exceptionally varied herb-rich, although small, field
Smartphone Description: 
The field was formerly a part of the Nieuport estate, and with its past history, together with relatively fertile neutral soils, has produced an exceptionally varied herb-rich sward for such a small field. The drier areas of the meadow are characterised by crested dog's-tail grass with large amounts of common knapweed. Two scarcer species present are pale sedge and greater butterfly orchid. Large old hedgerows surround the meadow on all sides and these typically contain a good mixture of shrubby species, including hazel, hawthorn, blackthorn, bramble and wild rose. Clear streams border the meadow on three of its sides and numerous caddis and stonefly larvae are found here, together with mayfly nymphs and other aquatic invertebrates characteristic of oxygen-rich waters
Location
Address: 
Quebb Corner Meadow
Town: 
Quebb
County: 
Herefordshire
Grid ref: 
SO 302 521
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: 
No
Parking: 
No
Parking info: 
Park in the lay-by at the main road junction where there is room for two cars then follow the footpath to the reserve.
Walking information: 
Entrance to the reserve is not restricted, but while the hay crop is growing in June and July or stock grazing, please keep to the edge of the meadow and also keep dogs under control. Some areas may be quite wet even in summer and waterproof footwear is advised. Please also keep the field entrance gate closed.
Grazing animals: 
The reserve is often grazed by sheep or cattle following the hay cut
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Herefordshire Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
01432 356872
Reserve email address: 
enquiries@herefordshirewt.co.uk
Reserver deep link: 
http://www.herefordshirewt.org/reserves/quebb.htm
Photos
Photo: 
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by herefordshire
2011-06-22 10:31

Pool Ellocks

The site is on a steep, sheltered slope, facing south-east. It had clearly been an orchard for some time, as there are some large old apple trees present. Several quite old box trees along the south-east boundary may also have been introduced. The central area has been planted with a number of standard cider apples and perry pears of traditional varieties.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Herefordshire Wildlife Trust
Size: 
0.40
Short Description: 
Situated on a steep slope with attractive fruit trees
Smartphone Description: 
The site is on a steep, sheltered slope, facing south-east. It had clearly been an orchard for some time, as there are some large old apple trees present. Several quite old box trees along the south-east boundary may also have been introduced. The central area has been planted with a number of standard cider apples and perry pears of traditional varieties. A picturesquely derelict stone barn, almost overwhelmed by ivy and wild clematis, forms an attractive feature in the centre of the orchard. Thickets of raspberries and bramble provide nectar and pollen over a long period in summer for a variety of pollinating insects
Location
Address: 
On the south-east edge of Goodrich village
Town: 
Goodrich
County: 
Herefordshire
Grid ref: 
SO 572 188
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: 
No
Parking: 
No
Parking info: 
Space to park is on the road near the Old Vicarage.
Walking information: 
The reserve lies on a steep slope but access around it is straight forward. Visitors are asked to close the gate when departing
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Herefordshire Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
01432 356872
Reserve email address: 
enquiries@herefordshirewt.co.uk
Reserver deep link: 
http://www.herefordshirewt.org/reserves/poolellocks.htm
Photos
Photo: 
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by herefordshire
2011-06-22 10:31

Pentaloe Glen & Convallaria Area

Both reserve areas lie within an extensive area of ancient semi-natural woodland. Both contain a variety of woodland plants typical of base-rich soils.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Herefordshire Wildlife Trust
Size: 
0.60
Short Description: 
Ancient semi natural woodland rich in vegetation
Smartphone Description: 
Both reserve areas lie within an extensive area of ancient semi-natural woodland. Both contain a variety of woodland plants typical of base-rich soils. Botanically-rich fen vegetation has developed, which includes marsh helleborine and fragrant orchid, as well as various sedges and mosses. This wetland vegetation then intergrades with plants of moist woodland edge, such as marsh thistle, bluebell and nettle-leaved bellflower. The waters of the adjacent Pentaloe Brook are well-oxygenated and unpolluted, and contain a number of interesting species, including bullhead, river limpet and a variety of stonefly and mayfly larvae.
Location
Address: 
East of Mordiford
Town: 
Mordiford
County: 
Herefordshire
Grid ref: 
SO 587 377
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: 
No
Parking: 
No
Parking info: 
Ample parking in Forestry Commission car park - follow footpath to the reserve
Walking information: 
There are no marked paths but please avoid the wetland vegetation which is easily damaged by trampling
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Herefordshire Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
01432 356872
Reserve email address: 
enquiries@herefordshirewt.co.uk
Reserver deep link: 
http://www.herefordshirewt.org/reserves/pentaloe.htm
Photos
Photo: 
Betony at Pentaloe Glen
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve