Smallbrook Meadows Nature Reserve
Smallbrook Meadows are on the outskirts of Warminster, consisting of a number of disused water meadows lying between the Rivers Were and Wylye. Wetlands in Britain are on the decline, and particularly rare in Wiltshire, so areas such as Smallbrook Meadows are of great wildlife value, providing a lot of different habitats and supporting many species of plants and animals.
The 13 hectare Nature Reserve is divided into six small meadows, of which just over half is moderately species-rich grassland. The remaining meadows were fertilised before they became a nature reserve, reducing the number of wildflowers. This Reserve also contains several small areas of woodland, a series of ditches and a large pond.
There are routes through the Reserve leading from the central car park. The western path which leads towards Warminster town centre has a surface enabling wheelchair access. The closeness of the Reserve to the town of Warminster has resulted in it being a popular spot to visit.
Wildlife
Smallbrook Meadows are at their best from late spring, when the delicate white and pink petals of Cuckoo Flower (Cardamine pratensis) flowers, the food plant of the caterpillar of the Orange-tip (Anthocharis cardamines) butterfly, are scattered across the meadows. These are followed by the darker pink of Ragged Robin (Lychnis flos-cuculi) and the pink-cream flowers of Water Avens (Geum rivale). As summer progresses, the bright yellows of Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris) and Yellow Iris (Iris pseudacorus) take over, and in June and July you can see the pink-purple flower spikes of the Southern Marsh-orchid (Dactylorhiza praetermissa).
Later in summer, the air is full of the tangy aroma of Water Mint (Mentha aquatica). If you look at this plant carefully, you can see the bright, metallic green gleam of the leaf beetles that rely on it for food.
This Nature Reserve provides a wide range of habitats, with suitable conditions for many species of birds, mammals and invertebrates. Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago) and Water Rail (Rallus aquaticus) are regularly seen; you can occasionally glimpse the azure flash of a Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), and, if you are very lucky, the rare Dipper (Cinclus cinclus). The UK’s rarest mammal, the Water Vole (Arvicola terrestris) , also finds a home at Smallbrook Meadows, and on a summer day you will see dragonflies and damselflies on the wing.
History and management
In the past Smallbrook Meadows would have been managed as traditional water meadows, which involved controlled flooding to provide and early crop of grass – known as an “early bite” – for grazing sheep. In late summer a hay crop would be taken, which would then be followed by more grazing of the “aftermath”. Present-day management aims to maintain and enhance the mixture of habitats at Smallbrook Meadows, to provide maximum diversity.
Other information
Dogs are allowed, but must be on a short leash at all times of year.
Best time to visit: Spring and summer
Habitat: Wet meadow, woodland, ponds and river.
Specialities of the reserve: Water Vole, wetland plants, birds, butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies.
Location: The reserve is on the southern edge of Warminster, in the Wylye Valley. It can be reached by walking through the boating park from Weymouth Street, or from the car park in Smallbrook Road, grid ref ST880443
