Reserves

Netcott's Meadow

Grid ref: 476 696 / Area: 2.5 hectares

This area of damp grassland is rich in orchids and other wildflowers.

How to get there
We encourage visitors to use environmentally friendly forms of transport wherever possible. Most of our reserves are easily accessible by bicycle, with many close to the National Cycle Network. Click here to view a location map of the reserve on the National Cycle Network website.

Alternatively, travelling from Bristol on the A370 Bristol-Congresbury road, at Backwell turn right at traffic lights towards Nailsea. Go under railway bridge and turn into car park on left. Walk around Buckland's Pool and climb stile to the reserve entrance which is up the lane on the right.

Access
No access for wheelchairs. Please keep to mown paths. No access along Bucklands End.

Wildlife and conservation
The reserve is a colourful damp meadow which contains a good variety of wildflowers, including yellow rattle and black knapweed. In June it is ablaze with colour and even has a small patch of southern marsh orchids.

Orange tip and green-veined white are just two of the twelve species of butterflies that visit the meadow. It is also a good hunting ground for damselflies and dragonflies.

The hedges and scrub which surround the reserve are frequented by many different birds. Green woodpeckers, tawny owls and redpolls have all been seen.

The meadow is cut for hay in the summer, and new trees and hedges have been planted to encourage birds.

Other points of interest
There is a small quarry at the back of the reserve, and various water birds may be seen on Buckland's Pool. The reserve is cared for by the local people to protect their wildlife.

Further information
Netcott's Meadow is privately owned and managed under licence by the Trust.