This chalk downland valley is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and worth a visit at any time of year for its sweeping views. Read more
This pocket of woodland provides a breathing space for wildlife in west Swindon. In April and May you can enjoy a stunning display of native bluebells. Read more
Our response to COVID-19 - please read before visiting:
Our nature reserves have an important part to play in helping both people and wildlife over the coming months. This is a difficult time for everyone. We are operating with a reduced staff capacity at the same time as visitor numbers on some of our reserves is increasing. People are understandably trying to find some moments in nature to help their wellbeing and we will do everything we can to support this at the same time as keeping both our staff and visitors safe.
Not all carparks have been closed, but below is when we anticipate being able to open those that have been. It is unlikely this will change but in these uncertain times please do double check the reserves page of the website before you visit, where we will post any changes.
Now more than ever people are discovering our nature reserves located within walking or cycling distance of their homes and we have seen visitor numbers over some of our sites significantly increase.
The natural world continues to need our help. At this time of year nesting birds and wildflowers are particularly vulnerable.
Our livestock will also soon be out grazing at more of our sites and our sheep are lambing. Dogs running off the lead put our animals at risk.
We urge visitors to respect our sites as spaces for wildlife and the quiet enjoyment of nature. We also need visitors to consider that as an organisation we are facing challenging times and do not have the resources to deliver our normal programme of practical work.
If you are accessing our nature reserves for your daily dose of outdoor time, then please do so with sensitivity and care, and adhere to current government guidelines around social distancing.
Thank you!
Our nature reserves play an important part in raising awareness about the value of the natural world. From woodlands, wildflower meadows, hedgerows, streams, rivers, chalk downland, valleys, bogs and wetlands, now is the time to get out your boots and binoculars and go wild in the country.
What is really out there? Where is it? When can I see it? Why is it there? How can it survive? Come and visit one of our nature reserves today and find out some of the answers. They are open all year and they’re free!
See our nature reserve map!
Blackmoor Copse was our first nature reserve and we have been looking after it since 1962. Read more
This former military airfield is being turned back into wildlife-rich hay meadow. Read more
The eight meadows that make up this nature reserve on the edge of the Braydon Forest are awash with wild flowers and alive with insects during summer. Read more
A walk through this Site of Special Scientific Interest takes you from stream-soaked valley floor, up steep slopes to level land at the top. Read more
This chalk downland offers superb views of Salisbury Cathedral and the surrounding countryside. Read more
Conigre Mead was a field of rough grass until local volunteers dug ponds, cleared scrub and planted trees and wildflowers. Read more
A small orchard with old cricket field. Areas converted into wildflower beds. Read more
This stretch of chalk grassland curves across the steep side of a combe (valley) near Knook, on the edge of Salisbury Plain. Read more
Visit these three meadows in spring and summer for their vivid wildflower displays. Read more
These three hay meadows with countless wildflowers form a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of their long history of traditional farming. Read more
This ancient woodland was given to us in 1991. The wood connects with our Biss Wood nature reserve and the Green Lane Nature Park. Read more
Ham Hill is a tiny area of steeply sloping chalk downland strewn with wildflowers and offering great views. Read more
We bought this small section of dismantled railway from British Rail in 1988 for £1. It has a variety of common plants and birds such as whitethroat and garden warbler. Read more
This steeply sloping chalk downland has no set footpaths so you can wander freely over the grass. Enjoy the uninterrupted views of rolling countryside and, in the summer, the wildflowers. Read more
Jones's Mill is a fen, made up of wet woodland, ponds and wet grassland. Its peaty soils are fed by natural springs and the Salisbury Avon flows through its centre. Read more
Set within the New Forest National Park, the bog is a floating carpet of feathery moss with expanses of heather and purple moor-grass. Read more
Take a walk at Langford Lakes Nature Reserve around the four beautiful lakes to spot birds including kingfisher and maybe even an otter. Read more
Lower Moor opened in 2007 and is the gateway to Clattinger Farm, Oaksey Moor Farm Meadow, Lower Moor Farm and Sandpool nature reserves. Read more
This reserve is a wonderful example of the traditional chalk downland that was once widespread in Wiltshire. It is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to the rich variety of grassland plants. Read more
Morgan's Hill is a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its orchids, butterflies and for the general quality of chalk grassland and wildflowers. Read more
The five fields covering 25 hectares near Royal Wootton Bassett are abundant with wildflowers in summer, with a wealth of butterflies, crickets and pollinating insects. Read more
This crescent-shaped wooded island in the River Nadder can be viewed from the river bank, but there is no public access. Read more