Reserves

Tucking Mill

Grid ref: 764 615 / Area: 1.15 hectares

This small reserve is a very special example of traditional pasture, untouched by modern farming methods. A profusion of wildflowers grows in the meadow.

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.

Cars can be parked at Church Road, Combe Down and buses from Bath stop at the top of Ralph Allen Drive nearby.

Access
No paths, steep steps including two stiles. Groups/parties by arrangement with Conservation Officer.

Wildlife and conservation
Set in a beautiful valley outside Bath, the reserve at Tucking Mill is a pasture which sports a colourful array of wildflowers in the summer which shows that the field has not been ploughed or re-seeded in recent times. Some of the many flowers include ox-eye daisy, germander speedwell and bee and pyramidal orchids. Later in the summer you can see the purple hues of devil�s-bit scabious and knapweed.

Many insects take advantage of this undisturbed location, especially bees and butterflies like the common blue and marbled white. Listen for the noisy call or 'yaffle' of green woodpeckers, which feed on the ants from the anthills in the meadow.

The meadow is grazed by rabbits and sometimes sheep to maintain its rich flora.

Other points of interest
The valley itself has a fascinating history, with abandoned railway tracks, a coal canal and interesting geological features.

Further information
Tucking Mill is owned by Wessex Water and leased to the Trust.