Reserves and species

Posted by herefordshire
2011-06-22 10:30

Leeping Stocks

The name "Leeping" is said to mean "hedges that deer can

Reserve details
Trust: 
Herefordshire Wildlife Trust
Size: 
7.80
Short Description: 
A reserve full of a variety of flowers; a great place to spot deer
Smartphone Description: 
The name "Leeping" is said to mean "hedges that deer can leap over" while "stock" refers to land with tree stumps left standing on it. The name of the reserve therefore indicates that it was once cleared woodland converted into hedge fields, while the lord of the manor retained his right to hunt deer. Today, hedges made out of laid beech growing on low stone walls still divide the area into twelve compartments. These are now full of forest trees of mainly birch and ash, as well as an unusual and rich variety of both herbaceous plants and fungi.
Location
Address: 
Leeping Stocks Lane
Town: 
Great Doward
County: 
Herefordshire
Grid ref: 
SO 549 161
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 parking for up to four cars at the entrance to the reserve
Walking information: 
There are tracks and rides giving access to most parts of the reserve. A large metal deer-fence gate gives access to some of the coppice areas. The second deer-fenced enclosure on the western slope is accessible via a wood bar gate at the top. Please be sure to replace the bars and close the gate when you leave.
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/leeping.htm
Photos
Photo: 
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by herefordshire
2011-06-22 10:30

Lea & Paget's Wood


 

Reserve details
Trust: 
Herefordshire Wildlife Trust
Size: 
10.90
Short Description: 
One of the finest, ancient, semi-natural broad-leaved woodlands left in the Wye valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Smartphone Description: 
This ancient woodland has a complex structure, with sessile oak as the dominant canopy tree in some places and ash in others. Carpets of bluebells with wood anemone, primrose and yellow archangel make a spectacular sight in spring. Birdlife is abundant with all three species of woodpecker appearing here. The wood is also an excellent place for mammals, including dormouse, woodmouse, yellow-necked mouse and bank vole.
Location
Address: 
Lea and Paget's Wood
Town: 
Fownhope
County: 
Herefordshire
Grid ref: 
SO 593 345
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: 
There is space for two cars on the lane at the top of the hill
Walking information: 
The low-lying main track seems to remain permanently damp and can be very muddy and treacherous in places in winter. Take extra care in the vicinity of the old quarry in Church Wood. This is partly fenced off, but there are still unguarded near-vertical drops.
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/lea_pagets.htm
Photos
Photo: 
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by herefordshire
2011-06-22 10:30

King Arthur's Cave

This reserve lies on either side of the track leading to King Arthur's Cave. The strip to the northwest of the track is part of an ancient woodland.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Herefordshire Wildlife Trust
Size: 
1.50
Short Description: 
A reserve of two parts with a very different history.
Smartphone Description: 
This reserve lies on either side of the track leading to King Arthur's Cave. The strip to the northwest of the track is part of an ancient woodland. The part of the reserve to the east of the track has a different history, with a cottage standing here in 1847; however the area became an industrial site in the middle of this century. This has now become colonised by willow and birch
Location
Address: 
King Arthur's Cave
Town: 
Great Doward
County: 
Herefordshire
Grid ref: 
SO 548 158
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 at the Forestry Commission parking area or in layby at top of track.
Walking information: 
The reserve consists of a strip of land on either side of a track leading down to King Arthur's Cave. The caves themselves are not part of the reserve. Access is straightforward, and the main track leads on beyond the reserve to link with botyh the Wye Valley Walk and other footpaths within Lord's Wood.
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/kingarthurs.htm
Photos
Photo: 
King Arthur's Cave
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by herefordshire
2011-06-22 10:30

Holywell Dingle

Peter & Lin Wyles)
 

Reserve details
Trust: 
Herefordshire Wildlife Trust
Size: 
3.00
Short Description: 
A narrow, steep-sided wood valley
Smartphone Description: 
The reserve occupies a narrow, steep-sided, wooded valley and is dominated by Oak and Ash. There is some evidence that the entire wood was clear felled in the 18th century, after which it was managed as Oak coppice. The ground flora in the Dingle is very rich and contains a variety of species indicative of ancient woodland e.g., yellow archangel, and early purple orchid. There are at least 8 species of fern present and a wide variety of mosses and liverworts. The Dingle attracts a good variety of bird species.
Location
Address: 
Holywell Dingle
Town: 
Eardisley
County: 
Herefordshire
Grid ref: 
SO 311 512
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: 
There is room for several cars in the lay-by off the A4111
Walking information: 
Some parts near the stream can be wet and muddy, so waterproof footwear is advised. The northern part of the reserve is very steep-sided in places, and there are precipitous drops into the stream-bed.
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/holywell.htm
Photos
Photo: 
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by herefordshire
2011-06-22 10:30

Hampton Meadow

Hampton Meadow bridge
 

Reserve details
Trust: 
Herefordshire Wildlife Trust
Size: 
25.00
Short Description: 
Two fields; Hampton Meadow and Big & Little Common
Smartphone Description: 
The reserve consists of two fields; Hampton Meadow, a large area of old, traditionally managed hay meadow, and Big & Little Million Common, a much smaller area of permanent pasture. The reserve has a nesting pair of Curlew in most years, while Skylarks can be heard singing over the meadow on sunny days in spring. The winter floods attract flocks of gulls and ducks like Mallard, Teal and Wigeon, and occasionally Bewick's Swans from the Russian Arctic. The steep banks of the rivers provide nesting sites for Kingfishers and Sand Martins, while Reed Buntings can be found among the overgrown willows bordering the water
Location
Address: 
Hampton Meadow
Town: 
Hampton Bishop
County: 
Herefordshire
Grid ref: 
SO 560 391
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 at Hampton Bishop Village
Walking information: 
Entrance to the reserve is not restricted, but while the hay crop is growing in June and July, please keep to the rights of way. Dogs should be kept under control at all times of year to avoid disturbing nesting birds and livestock. During winter the entire site may be flooded. Take care when walking near the river as there are numerous steep cliffs.
Grazing animals: 
The reserve is grazed seasonally
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/hampton.htm
Photos
Photo: 
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by herefordshire
2011-06-22 10:30

Ernle Gilbert Meadow

This reserve is a traditional old Herefordshire hay meadow bounded by a series of old hedges. The meadow is typically very herb-rich, with many species of plants that have largely disappeared elsewhere, including adder.
 


 
 

Reserve details
Trust: 
Herefordshire Wildlife Trust
Size: 
1.90
Short Description: 
A traditional old Herefordshire hay meadow
Smartphone Description: 
This reserve is a traditional old Herefordshire hay meadow bounded by a series of old hedges. The meadow is typically very herb-rich, with many species of plants that have largely disappeared elsewhere, including adder
Location
Address: 
Ernle Gilbert Meadow
Town: 
Norton Canon
County: 
Herefordshire
Grid ref: 
SO 365 485
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 limited parking at the entrance to the reserve
Walking information: 
While the hay crop is growing in June and July, please keep to the edge of the meadow. Dogs must be kept under control at all times, especially if livestock are present.
Grazing animals: 
This reserve is seasonally grazed
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/ernle.htm
Photos
Photo: 
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by herefordshire
2011-06-22 10:30

Davies Meadow

The reserve comprises a block of three traditional Herefordshire hay-meadows, a small old orchard area, two ponds and a complex of old hedgerows.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Herefordshire Wildlife Trust
Size: 
8.10
Short Description: 
Three traditional Herefordshire hay-meadows, a small orchard area, two ponds and a complex of old hedgerows.
Smartphone Description: 
The reserve comprises a block of three traditional Herefordshire hay-meadows, a small old orchard area, two ponds and a complex of old hedgerows. These meadows have always been farmed traditionally, and the main meadow has not been ploughed for over a hundred years. All the meadows are herb-rich with a wide variety of grasses. Common spotted and green winged orchids are also found. The meadows are alive with butterflies and moths during late spring and summer
Location
Address: 
Davies Meadow
Town: 
Norton Canon
County: 
Herefordshire
Grid ref: 
SO 375 485
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 on the western side of the reserve
Walking information: 
While the hay crop is growing or stock grazing please keep to the edge of the meadows and keep dogs under control. Field gates should be kept shut at all times
Grazing animals: 
The meadow is seasonally grazed
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/davies.htm
Photos
Photo: 
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by herefordshire
2011-06-22 10:30

Crow Wood & Meadow

Crow Wood
 

Reserve details
Trust: 
Herefordshire Wildlife Trust
Size: 
9.40
Short Description: 
Mostly ancient grassland, with some woodland, and a variety of wildlife and plant life
Smartphone Description: 
This reserve consists of ancient grassland with some wood pasture and coppice. Both meadows have flourishing populations of yellow rattle, wild daffodil and cowslip, as well as a variety of other species. In summer, there is an abundance of bees, hoverflies, grasshoppers, flower beetles, day-flying moths and butterflies.
Location
Address: 
Crow Wood & Meadow
Town: 
Vowchurch
County: 
Herefordshire
Grid ref: 
SO 343 358
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 on the grass verge opposite the gate by Slough Bridge
Walking information: 
Visitors are asked to keep to the side of the meadows when the hay crop is growing between May and August
Grazing animals: 
The meadow is grazed from late summer onwards
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/crow.htm
Photos
Photo: 
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by herefordshire
2011-06-22 10:30

Court Wood

Court Wood is predominately oak and ash with hazel and bramble in the understorey. Honeysuckle is particularly abundant and the drier upper slopes have large drifts of typical ancient woodland indicators such as bluebell and primrose.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Herefordshire Wildlife Trust
Size: 
2.60
Short Description: 
A steep sloping wood almost split in two by a deep gully
Smartphone Description: 
Court Wood is predominately oak and ash with hazel and bramble in the understorey. Honeysuckle is particularly abundant and the drier upper slopes have large drifts of typical ancient woodland indicators such as bluebell and primrose. The permanently damp slopes of the gully are ideal for ferns, including male fern, hard fern and common polypody. The reserve provides nesting sites and shelter for various woodland birds, including buzzard, great spotted woodpecker and tree warblers.
Location
Address: 
Court Wood
Town: 
Bredwardine
County: 
Herefordshire
Grid ref: 
SO 328 448
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: 
Very limited car parking opposite cottage
Walking information: 
There are paths around the reserve that give access to all areas. These can be very muddy in spring and autumn so waterproof footwear is advised for most visits. Also take note that, in very wet periods, the steep access field can be very slippery and hazardous on the way down; beware of rapid and unexpected descents!
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/court.htm
Photos
Photo: 
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by herefordshire
2011-06-22 10:30

Coughton Marsh

This marsh is what remains of a former watercourse of the River Wye.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Herefordshire Wildlife Trust
Size: 
1.20
Short Description: 
The last remnant of a much larger peaty wetland area that existed in the 19th century
Smartphone Description: 
This marsh is what remains of a former watercourse of the River Wye. The name 'Coughton' is derived from 'hillock settlement', possibly indicating a drier raised area within the marsh. A fine Neolithic axe found on the site also attests to ancient settlement here. Although small, and surrounded by open agricultural land, the marsh woodland is of great historical and biological interest because it is the only area of plateau Alder woodland now left in the lower Wye valley.
Location
Address: 
Coughton
Town: 
Coughton
County: 
Herefordshire
Grid ref: 
SO 590 210
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 outside Walford Primary School
Walking information: 
Even in summer, the site can be very wet and muddy, so boots are advisable at all seasons. Narrow winding access paths and lush summer growth combine to make losing your sense of direction quite easy, even in a reserve this small!
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/coughton.htm
Photos
Photo: 
Ragged robin growing at Coughton Marsh
Best time to visit
Start: 
May
End: 
August
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve