Hat Gate

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Marlborough SN8 4NG
OS map 157 Grid ref: SU212642

Not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs
Dogs on leads are welcome
1 hectare

Hat Gate reserve map © WWT

We bought this small section of dismantled railway from British Rail in 1988 for £1. It comprises an embankment, the abutment of two railway bridges and a bridleway. It has a variety of common plants and birds such as whitethroat and garden warbler. The grizzled skipper butterfly is attracted by its wild strawberries. You might spot a beetle with long antennae - the golden-bloomed grey longhorn beetle. Small areas of grassland contain eyebright, marjoram, black knapweed and fairy flax.

Fairy Flax © Rob Large Grizzled skipper © Andrew Kerr White throat © Pete Blanchard Golden-bloomed longhorn beetle © Dluogs

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