Nature Reserves

From the magnificent meadows in the north of the County to the spectacular chalk downlands in the south, our many Nature Reserves, some of national importance, provide a haven for wildlife. Open all year and free to visit; everybody is free to experience the natural world in all its glory at the wild places throughout the county.

Click here to download a copy of our Nature Reserves Guide.

Why do we have nature reserves?

When woodlands, wildflower meadows, chalk downland and wetlands started to vanish under the plough or concrete, the Trust decided to protect wildlife and places where it lives, by acquiring land and setting up nature reserves. In this way we will ensure that the Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) and Barn Owls (Tyto alba) survive for our grandchildren to experience.

Special places for wildlife are still vanishing, so we have shifted our focus from protecting isolated pockets of land to managing large areas for wildlife. This sometimes means restoring neglected or damaged habitats to bring back what has been lost.

Nature Reserves play an important part in raising awareness about the value of the natural world. They demonstrate how learning about this world can make our lives happier and more fulfilling, and what each of us can do to protect our environment.

Owning a Nature Reserve does not mean just putting a fence around a piece of land. These dynamic, living places have to be managed to make sure they are in the best condition to benefit wildlife. Some types of grassland need to be grazed by cattle or sheep, wildflower meadows need to be cut in July, and certain trees in woodland need to be cut down (coppiced) in winter then allowed to regrow. All of this work is carried out to enhance the site for wildlife, and ensure that visitors continue to have a wonderful wildlife experience.

Further information for visitors

Use the links opposite to find out more about each of our Nature Reserves. The information includes best time to visit, how to get there and maps, history and management information; along with wildlife highlights on the reserve.

Grid references mentioned in this guide relate to the Ordnance Survey Landranger maps, which are available from any good book shop. The maps covering Wiltshire are 173, 174, 183 and 184.

It may be possible to travel to one of our Nature Reserves by public transport or by bicycle. Many are located in quiet, unspoilt parts of the county and some have cycle stands at the entrance. For bus enquiries call Traveline on 0870 608 2 608, for rail enquiries call 08457 484950. Click here or more information on how to get to our Reserves by public transport (includes information on becoming a Nature Reserve volunteer)

In the interest of wildlife please keep dogs on a lead when visiting our Nature Reserves. At Blakehill Farm and Langford Lakes no dogs are allowed and at Lower Moor Farm dogs are not allowed in the learning area. Guide dogs are excepted from this rule.