Smallbrook Meadows
Welcome to Smallbrook Meadows
Smallbrook Meadows Nature Reserve consists of a number of disused water meadows
that lie between the Rivers Were and Wylye, close to the town of Warminster. In
Britain wetland habitat is declining and it is particularly rare in Wiltshire.
So areas such as Smallbrook Meadows are of great wildlife value, providing a
lot of different habitats supporting many species of plants and animals.
The reserve is divided into two sections with the car park located between
them. There are routes through the reserve, leading in either direction from
the car park. The western path which leads towards
Warminster town centre has a surface
enabling wheelchair access. Smallbrook Meadows is a designated Local Nature
Reserve (LNR), and part of the site falls within the boundary of the Special
Landscape Area. (SLA). The closeness of the reserve to the town of Warminster
has resulted in it being a popular spot to visit and local residents
particularly enjoy having such a beautiful place on their doorstep.
The total area of the reserve is approximately 13 hectares divided into six
small meadows, of which just over half is moderately species rich grassland.
The remaining meadows were fertilised before the site became a nature reserve,
which has reduced the number of wildflowers that grow there. Other habitat
types present on the reserve include several small areas of woodland, a series
of ditches and a large pond that was dug in 1989.
Smallbrook Meadows looks at
its best from late spring when the delicate white and pink petals of ladies
smock flowers, the food plant of the orange tip butterfly caterpillars, can be
seen scattered across the meadows. These are followed by the darker pink of
ragged robin and the pink-cream flowers of water avens. As the season
progresses the bright yellows of the marsh marigold and flag iris take over,
and in June and July the pink-purple flower spikes of the southern marsh orchid
can be seen.
Later in the summer water mint fills the air with its strong aroma, and if
examined carefully can reveal the bright, shiny green metallic leaf beetles
that rely on it for food. The diversity of habitat within the meadows provides
suitable conditions for many species of birds, mammals and invertebrates.
Common snipe and water rail are regularly seen, and there are occasional
sightings of kingfishers, sandpipers and dippers, the last a scarce bird in
Wiltshire. The wetland and river habitats here provide suitable conditions for
the nationally declining water vole, which is found here in good numbers, and
for many species of invertebrate such
as dragonflies and damselflies, which can be seen in
large numbers in the summer. Historically Smallbrook Meadows would have been
managed as traditional water meadows, which involved controlled flooding to
provide an early crop of grass known as an 'early bite' for the 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 on the reserve to provide maximum diversity.
Other information
Location:The reserve is situated on the southern edge of Warminster in
the Wylye valley. It can be reached by walking through the formal boating park
from Weymouth Street, or from the car park in Smallbrook Road, grid ref
ST880443.
Best times to visit:Spring and summer
Habitats:Wet meadow, woodland, ponds and river.
Specialities of the reserve:Wetland plants, water voles, birds,
butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies.
Shelter on the reserve:None
Nearest public telephone: Warminster
Nearest public toilets: Warminster
Nearest hospital casualty department: Warminster Hospital, High Street
The reserve is owned by West Wiltshire District Council and leased to the
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, who manage the site to enhance the existing wildlife
habitats while providing a much needed peaceful green space for people.