Reserves

Puxton Moor

Grid ref: 413 632 / Area: 67.0 hectares

Set within the heart of the North Somerset Levels and Moors, Puxton Moor is a large area of pasture land networked with species-rich rhynes. Now saved from major development, the site will be managed as a nature reserve to safeguard its wildlife and archaeological interest.

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, from the A370 at Hewish turn south into Puxton. Park opposite the church within the village of Puxton.

The reserve can be accessed from Dolemoor Lane. Parking is restricted - please do not park and block any cottage, farm or field entrances. Good bus services to Hewish from major centres.

Access
As well as the public footpaths that cross the reserve, there is an open access arrangement across the site. Caution - many of the rhynes are steep-sided and contain deep water.

Wildlife and conservation
Species-rich rhynes, grazing pasture and hay meadows. The rhynes are full of rare plants such as frogbit and rootless duckweed, along with many scarce invertebrates such as hairy dragonfly and water scorpion.

During the spring and summer the fields are lightly grazed with cattle to provide the correct habitat for ground nesting birds such as skylark. The rhynes contain reed and sedge warblers, and in some areas of the wet scrub lesser whitethroat and reed bunting can be heard. Whimbrel are often seen here on migration during the spring. During the summer dragonflies can be found patrolling the wet ditches. These watercourses will be cleared out on rotation to maintain their interest.

The site also contains a relict roman landscape which is evident in many of the fields. This 2000 year-old settlement, which is nationally important, will be studied through the work of a team of archaeologists. Medieval earthworks will also be investigated and safeguarded though the reserve management.

Further information
This site was purchased and managed through support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, ARC, North Somerset Council and public donation.