Our nature reserves aren't just beautiful places to visit – they're lifelines for wildlife in crisis and home to many incredible but scarce species. 

At Smallbrook Nature Reserve in Warminster, incredible conservation success stories are unfolding, largely thanks to supporters like you.

We've restored sections of the River Were, improving the health of this precious and rare chalk river that feeds the Wylye and Salisbury Avon. This vital work has created a thriving habitat, home to nesting kingfishers and water voles.

To further improve this rare wetland, we've carefully cut back some of the fen vegetation. This lets in more light and helps create a variety of different plant structures, which is vital for the habitat's health. These efforts are already benefiting a diverse range of species, including several rare moth and dragonfly species (including those listed as priority on the (Biodiversity Action Plan List). Smallbrook is also home to a significant population of bats, including Daubenton's, noctule, and the lesser horseshoe which use the watersource as a feeding ground and the woodland as roost.

These aren't distant conservation victories – they're happening right on your doorstep, all thanks to supporters like you.

But to enable us to do more for nature and to continue to protect these spaces which are facing real threats from development and climate change. We need the support of people like you – the locals that love our spaces. 

Your Donation Creates Real Change

Even a small donation to the Love Your Local Nature Reserve can make a big difference to what we can achieve at Smallbrook for the residents of Warminster. 

£25 - Building Expertise

£25 could support volunteer training, equipping our dedicated volunteer teams with the skills to become effective wildlife guardians.

£50 - Tools for Conservation

£50 could purchase essential equipment for habitat management – from hand tools for cutting meadows to Kelly Kettles supporting the community groups that use Smallbrook.

£100 - Habitat Transformation

May fund rewilding degraded areas or establishing native wildflower meadows.

£250 - Species Protection

Could support species monitoring programmes, tracking endangered species and implementing targeted protection measures.

£500 - Future-Proofing Nature

Might help to fund habitat enhancements that create resilient ecosystems capable of withstanding climate change.

Why Your Local Reserve Needs You

Smallbrook Nature Reserve faces constant pressure from pollution, and climate change. The River Were’s crystal-clear waters support rare chalk stream species. Without active management, this irreplaceable habitat could be lost forever.

Every other reserve in our care faces similar challenges. They survive only through the dedication of our conservation team and the generosity of supporters who understand their irreplaceable value. If Smallbrook or Widbrook aren’t your local reserves but you want to support the work across our spaces for nature you can donate to our Nature Recovery Appeal here Natures Recovery Fund | Wiltshire Wildlife Trust.