Visiting the Nature Reserves
Avon Wildlife Trust manages 37 nature reserves, in both rural and urban areas, ranging in size from half a hectare to 100 hectares and containing a variety of woodland, wetland and grassland habitats. Each reserve has its own unique character, but they are all superb for wildlife and play a vital part in conserving our natural heritage. Looking after the reserves also gives us the opportunity to demonstrate to other landowners management practices such as hay-cutting and hedge-laying which can be beneficial to wildlife.
But one of the most important things about our reserves is that they are there to be enjoyed by people - in addition to abundant wildlife (birds, insects, wildflowers...) they also offer peaceful open recreational spaces, often with wonderful views. Most of them are open to the public throughout the year (although a few require a visiting permit as they are particularly sensitive sites), and many are so large and change so much from season to season that you may want to visit them several times.
Bathampton Meadow • photo: Highways Agency
We would appreciate it if you could bear a few things in mind when visiting the reserves:
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by all means bring a picnic but please remember to take your litter home with you
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dogs must be kept under close supervision at all times and on a lead when off public rights of way. All dog mess should be taken home.Regrettably dogs are not allowed on several reserves at all including Folly Farm so please check before bringing them)
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under no circumstances should fires be lit - they can easily destroy what you have come to see
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if you see anyone interfering with livestock or wild animals on the reserves do not approach them directly but report what you have seen to us or the police as soon as you can
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it may be a good idea to stick to the paths on some of the larger reserves as it can be easy to get lost
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please remember to close any gates that you open
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remember that wild animals are usually shy, so if you really want to get close to them it would help if you kept noise to a minimum.
Goblin Combe • photo: Ross Chamberlain