Reserves and species

Posted by herefordshire
2011-06-22 10:30

Common Hill

There are three parts to this reserve; Monument Hill, North Meadow and Old Cider House. Common Hill was common land until the early Nineteenth century, by which time most of it had been enclosed into small holdings. Monument Hill was one such holding and what was once grazing land is now a herb rich meadow. North Meadow and Old Cider House are another small holding, and was part arable and part orchard. Although the orchard remains, the arable land has reverted to grassland.
 

Reserve details
Trust: 
Herefordshire Wildlife Trust
Size: 
1.30
Short Description: 
A reserve consisting of three parts; with meadows and grassland
Smartphone Description: 
There are three parts to this reserve; Monument Hill, North Meadow and Old Cide House. Common Hill was common land until the early 19th century, by which time most of it had been enclosed into small holdings. Monument Hill was one such holding and what was once grazing land is now a herb rich meadow. North Meadow and Old Cider House are another small holding, and was part arable and part orchard. Although the orchid remains, the arable land has reverted to grassland
Location
Address: 
Common Hill
Town: 
Fownhope
County: 
Herefordshire
Grid ref: 
SO 591 347
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 space for two or three cars at the top of the lane
Walking information: 
Visitors should note that there are three parts to the reserve; Monument Hill, North Meadow and Old Cider House. The plant and insect life of Common Hill is best appreciated during the spring and summer months. Please ensure that gates are kept closed at all times. The reserve is partly on a steep slope and there are no surfaced paths.
Grazing animals: 
The reserve is grazed by sheep during the summer
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/commonhill.htm
Photos
Photo: 
Orchids on Common Hill
Best time to visit
Start: 
April
End: 
August
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by herefordshire
2011-06-22 10:30

Clifford Common

River Wye adjacent to Clifford Common
 

Reserve details
Trust: 
Herefordshire Wildlife Trust
Size: 
3.70
Short Description: 
A grassland reserve with potential as an otter refuge
Smartphone Description: 
The chief interest of this grassland reserve lies in its potential as an otter refuge, together with the four main habitats found here: the river itself rich in invertebrates; the tree-lined river bank; the flood-plain with its mixture of damp-loving plants such as tansy and hemlock; and the mixed deciduous woodland on the steep bank frequented by woodland birds. The path leading from the reserve entrance partly follows the remains of an old horse-drawn tramway from Hay-on-Wye, constructed about 1818 as an embankment along the eastern edge of the common.
Location
Address: 
Clifford Common
Town: 
Clifford
County: 
Herefordshire
Grid ref: 
SO 245 459
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs under effective control
Access: 
No
Parking: 
No
Parking info: 
Parking on grass verge at top of lane
Walking information: 
The river bank is subject to continuous erosion and is unsafe at certain times of the year. Contact the trust for further information
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/clifford.htm
Photos
Photo: 
Best time to visit
Start: 
May
End: 
August
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by herefordshire
2011-06-22 10:30

Clay Vallets Wood

Clay Vallets WoodThis reserve consists of a woodland with an ancient origin, and the present day woodland shows clearly how it has developed from management practices in the past. The trees are nearly all sessile oak of similar age and growth; this uniformity probably stems from selection for oak in the past in order to produce oak bark for the tanning industry.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Herefordshire Wildlife Trust
Size: 
3.40
Short Description: 
An ancient woodland clearly showing how it has developed from historical management practices
Smartphone Description: 
This reserve consists of a woodland with an ancient origin, and the present day woodland shows clearly how it has developed from management practices in the past. The trees are nearly all sessile oak of similar age and growth; this uniformity probably stems from selection for oak in the past in order to produce oak bark for the tanning industry. The shrub layer is poorly developed and cow-what, wood sage and sweet vernal grass are typical in this region
Location
Address: 
Clay Vallets Wood
Town: 
Lingen
County: 
Herefordshire
Grid ref: 
SO 353 678
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: 
Park where you can on the roadside and walk along the track for about half a mile, and then cross the stream and join the path on the opposite bank. The gate to the reserve is a few yards up the path.
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/clayvallets.htm
Photos
Photo: 
Best time to visit
Start: 
May
End: 
July
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by herefordshire
2011-06-22 10:30

Christopher Cadbury Reserve

This reserve consists of two unimproved hay meadows lying in the lee of the Black Mountains. It has a very rich flora with over 160 species recorded.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Herefordshire Wildlife Trust
Size: 
5.00
Short Description: 
An ancient unimproved grassland with a rich flora
Smartphone Description: 
This reserve consists of two unimproved hay meadows lying in the lee of the Black Mountains. It has a very rich flora with over 160 species recorded. Species include bistort, eyebright, yellow rattle and knapweed. Various orchids are also found here including common spotted and green winged. Anthills are numerous at the far western edge of the reserve, where a patch of grassland is cut off by a stream. The meadow come alive with insects in mid-summer, one of the most interesting being the chimney sweeper moth
Location
Address: 
The reserve is on the west side of Escley Brook.
Town: 
Peterchurch
County: 
Herefordshire
Grid ref: 
SO 298 368
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: 
Limited parking at entrance to reserve
Walking information: 
While the hay crop is growing in June and July, please keep to the edge of the meadows and also keep dogs under control.
Grazing animals: 
The site is grazed periodically.
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/christopher.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 10:29

Canon Tump Common

Peter Wyles
A roughly triangular shaped registered common in the foothills of the Black Mountains, this reserve consists mainly of grassland bounded on the north and south by woodland. Over 150 species of plants have been recorded here, among which cowslip, spotted orchid and cow-wheat are some of the most notable.
 
 

Reserve details
Trust: 
Herefordshire Wildlife Trust
Size: 
3.75
Short Description: 
A triangular reserve containing mostly neutral grassland, bounded at the north and south by woodland.
Smartphone Description: 
A roughly triangular shaped registered common in the foothills of the Black Mountains, this reserve consists mainly of grassland bounded on the north and south by woodland. Over 150 species of plants have been recorded here, among which cowslip, spotted orchid and cow-wheat are some of the most notable
Location
Address: 
South-west of Crow Wood and Meadow reserve.
Town: 
Michaelchurch Escley
County: 
Herefordshire
Grid ref: 
SO 327 345
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 under effective control
Access: 
No
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
There is room for 1-2 cars to park at the entrance
Walking information: 
Parts of the reserve may be very wet, so waterproof footwear is advised.
Grazing animals: 
Sheep graze this site in late summer so please keeps dogs on leads.
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/canon.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 10:29

Brilley Green Dingle

Autumn beeches at Brilley Green Dingle
 

Reserve details
Trust: 
Herefordshire Wildlife Trust
Size: 
4.50
Short Description: 
A wooded reserve showing the results of different management histories within an area.
Smartphone Description: 
Brilley Green Dingle is all wooded. The western and eastern sides have different management histories and this is reflected in the ground vegetation today, with the western end being much richer in flora. An interesting and verynoticeable vertical zonation in the flora of the Dingle can be seen. Millhalf Brook runs through the reserve and is home to a number of interesting invertebrates, such as the increasingly threatened white-clawed crayfish.
Location
Address: 
The reserve lies less than a mile north of Millhalf
Town: 
Millhalf
County: 
Herefordshire
Grid ref: 
SO 571 488
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 must be on lead
Access: 
No
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
There is space for two cars at the eastern entrance
Walking information: 
There is a clearly defined circular route running around the reserve. In winter or during prolonged wet weather, some lower parts of the reserve become extremely muddy and difficult to negotiate. Boardwalks have been installed on some sections to alleviate this. There are several flights of steps running up the steep valley sides.
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Herefordshire Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
01432 356872
Reserve email address: 
enquiries@herefordshirewt.co.uk
Photos
Photo: 
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by essex
2011-06-22 10:29

Chafford Gorges Nature Park

The Nature Park is set in a spectacular position overlooking Warren Gorge.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Essex Wildlife Trust
Trust Website: 
http://www.essexwt.org.uk
Size: 
80.90
Short Description: 
Chafford Gorges is set in a spectacular position over looking Warren Gorge. Chafford Gorges nature park offers 200 acres of green space for numerous wildlife and recreation for the 12,500 people living in Chafford Hundred.
Smartphone Description: 
Chafford Gorges is set in a spectacular position over looking Warren Gorge. Chafford Gorges nature park offers 200 acres of green space for numerous wildlife and recreation for the 12,500 people living in Chafford Hundred.
Location
Address: 
Chafford Gorges <br>Nature Park</br> Drake Road <br>Chafford Hundred</br> Grays
Town: 
Thurrock
County: 
Essex
Postcode: 
RM16 6RW
Grid ref: 
TQ 588 793
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
Picnic area
Opening hours: 
The visitor centre is currently closed
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Access: 
Yes
Access info: 
Some routes around the reserve are wheelchair friendly. Please contact the visitor centre for more information.
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
The site car park is currently closed.
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Essex Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
01375 643342
Reserve email address: 
chafford@essexwt.org.uk
Photos
Photo: 
Chafford Gorges Visitor Centre - Essex Wildlife Trust
Species: 
Common Spotted orchid
Bee Orchid
Bird's-nest Orchid
Brown Long-eared Bat
Common Pipistrelle
Great Crested Newt
Glow-worm
Best time to visit
Start: 
January
End: 
December
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by essex
2011-06-22 10:29

Bedfords Park Visitor Centre

The visitor centre offers visitors a really warm welcome and the opportunity to find out about the wildlife within the Park. The park includes many valuable habitats such as mature woodland, species rich wildflower meadows, ponds, streams and marshy areas.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Essex Wildlife Trust
Trust Website: 
http://www.essexwt.org.uk
Size: 
87.00
Short Description: 
Set in the stunning grounds of Bedfords Park, an historic parkland site of 215 acres, owned and managed by the London Borough of Havering. The nature reserve affords fantastic views over London and into Kent.
Smartphone Description: 
Set in the stunning grounds of Bedford Parks, this nature reserve affords fantastic views over London and Kent. The visitor centre offers visitors a really warm welcome and the opportunity to find out about the wildlife within the Park. The park includes many valuable habitats such as mature woodland, species rich wildflower meadows, ponds, streams and marshy areas
Location
Address: 
Bedfords Park <br>Visitor Centre</br> Broxhill Road
Town: 
Havering-atte-Bower
County: 
Essex
Postcode: 
RM4 1QH
Grid ref: 
TQ 520 922
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
Vistor centre?
Shop: 
Shop
Café / Refreshments: 
Yes
Picnic Area: 
Picnic area
Opening hours: 
Open Tuesday to Sunday 9am - 5pm (November, December & January 9am - 4pm) Open on Bank Holiday Mondays and Mondays throughout school holidays. Closed Christmas Day & Boxing Day.
Toilets: 
Yes Toilets
Disabled toilet: 
Disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Yes
Access: 
Yes
Access info: 
Various routes around the reserve, some are wheelchair friendly. Please contact the visitor centre for more information.
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Vehicle entrance is off Broxhill Road, opposite the white water tower, just to the east of Havering-atte-Bower. The main footpath is in the south-west corner on Lower Bedfords Road. There are other footpaths, bridleway and cycleway entrances off Lower Bedfords Road.
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Essex Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
01708 748646
Reserve email address: 
bedfords@essexwt.org.uk
Photos
Photo: 
Bedfords Park Visitor Centre - Essex Wildlife Trust
Species: 
Red Deer
Nuthatch
Pignut
Best time to visit
Start: 
September
End: 
October
Best time to visit
Start: 
March
End: 
May
Best time to visit
Start: 
June
End: 
September
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by essex
2011-06-22 10:29

Wrabness Nature Reserve

The area previously served as a mine depot established by the Ministry of Defence until it closed in 1963. It has been managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust since 2006 and was saved from development in 1992 by the Wrabness Nature Reserve Charitable Trust. The considerable importance of the reserve lies in the population of birds feeding in Jacques Bay.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Essex Wildlife Trust
Trust Website: 
http://www.essexwt.org.uk
Size: 
24.30
Short Description: 
This 60 acre reserve offers fantastic views on the southern bank of the Stour Estuary. Grassland, scrub and woodland offer a variety of habitats. As does the wonderful adjoining marsh.
Smartphone Description: 
This area previosuly served as a mine depot established by the Ministry of Defence until it closed in 1963. The considerable importance of the reserve lies in the population of birds feeding in Jacques Bay. Species include yellowhammer, whitethroat, turtle dove and short eared owl. The site also offers some grassland and a whole host of butterflies, dragonflies and damselfies can be seen
Location
Address: 
Wrabness </br> Nature Reserve</br> Whitesheaf Lane, which turns off the B1352 between Bradfield and Wrabness
Town: 
Wrabness
County: 
Essex
Grid ref: 
TM 167 315
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Accessible at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Yes
Access: 
Yes
Access info: 
There is a hard surfaced path around the reserve, making it accessible for those with pushchairs or disabilities. However, for wheelchair users to access the path, please note that a Radar NKS Key is required to open a gate.
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Car park near reserve
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Essex Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
1625 862960
Reserve email address: 
admin@essexwt.org.uk
Photos
Photo: 
Wrabness Nature Reserve - Essex Wildlife Trust
Best time to visit
Start: 
April
End: 
August
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by essex
2011-06-22 10:29

Tiptree Heath Nature Reserve

Events at Tiptree Heath

Reserve details
Trust: 
Essex Wildlife Trust
Trust Website: 
http://www.essexwt.org.uk
Size: 
24.30
Short Description: 
The largest area of lowland heathland remaining in Essex. This 60 acre site is the only place in Essex where you will find all three Heather species growing together, Ling, Cross-leaved and Bell. There are wonderful walks and the common was first recorded in 1401.
Smartphone Description: 
This reserve consists of a small fragment of a huge heathland. It is the only place where you will find all three heather species growing together. In summer, there is a range of heathland flowers, dominated by common ling, bell heather and cross leaved heath. Bird species include nightingales, woodcock and yellowhammer
Location
Address: 
Tiptree Heath </br> Nature Reserve </br> On the B1022 (Colchester - Maldon) and is 800m on the Maldon side of Tiptree
Town: 
Tiptree
County: 
Essex
Grid ref: 
TL 883 147
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Accessible at all times.
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Yes
Parking: 
Yes
Grazing animals: 
Exmoor Ponies
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Essex Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
01621 862960
Reserve email address: 
admin@essexwt.org.uk
Photos
Photo: 
Tiptree Heath Nature Reserve - Essex Wildlife Trust
Best time to visit
Start: 
April
End: 
September
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve