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In the northern part of the reserve plants such as Southern Marsh orchid, Marsh Valerian, Bogbean, Ragged-Robin and Marsh-marigold can be found. The rare Green-flowered Helleborine is found under Willow trees in the southern part of the site.
The River Itchen has distinctive plant life such as Water Crowfoot and Lesser Water-parsnip. On its banks Purple Loosestrife, Orange Balsam, Gypsywort and various sedges provide cover which is used in spring by nesting birds such as Tufted Duck and Mallard and in winter by Gadwall and Wigeon.
Reedbeds and open mixed fen in the southern end of the reserve are dominated by tall grasses interspersed with Fleabane, Meadowsweet, Fen Bedstraw and Skullcap. Here, amongst the reeds in spring, Reed and Sedge Warblers breed in large numbers.
Unusually for a chalk stream the Itchen has many different species of breeding dragonfly including the Broad-bodied Chaser and Common Darter. The meadows are important breeding and feeding grounds for Redshank, Lapwing and Snipe particularly during spring and early summer.
Location and access:
Winnall Moors Wildlife Reserve is situated within half a mile of Winchester City centre. The southern part of the reserve is open to the public free of charge; the north of the reserve requires a permit for access. Durngate Place, Winchester.
For more information please visit www.hwt.org.uk or contact 01489 774400.
Grid ref: SU490306
Winnall Moors Wildlife Reserve
It is easy to forget in this tranquil spot that the bustling city centre is a short walk away. Winnall Moors has the renowned and beautiful River Itchen flowing throughout its length, providing much needed water for the wet grasslands, reedbeds and ponds. In the southern end of the reserve the circular walk leads you along the riverbank and other waterways, with great views of the bird and plant life that abounds here. A closer look at water life can be had from the pond platform. The wet grasslands in the north of the reserve are important for their wetland plants and breeding bird interest. Two fields are cut for hay and the rest are grazed. Highlights:In the northern part of the reserve plants such as Southern Marsh orchid, Marsh Valerian, Bogbean, Ragged-Robin and Marsh-marigold can be found. The rare Green-flowered Helleborine is found under Willow trees in the southern part of the site.
The River Itchen has distinctive plant life such as Water Crowfoot and Lesser Water-parsnip. On its banks Purple Loosestrife, Orange Balsam, Gypsywort and various sedges provide cover which is used in spring by nesting birds such as Tufted Duck and Mallard and in winter by Gadwall and Wigeon.
Reedbeds and open mixed fen in the southern end of the reserve are dominated by tall grasses interspersed with Fleabane, Meadowsweet, Fen Bedstraw and Skullcap. Here, amongst the reeds in spring, Reed and Sedge Warblers breed in large numbers.
Unusually for a chalk stream the Itchen has many different species of breeding dragonfly including the Broad-bodied Chaser and Common Darter. The meadows are important breeding and feeding grounds for Redshank, Lapwing and Snipe particularly during spring and early summer.
Location and access:
Winnall Moors Wildlife Reserve is situated within half a mile of Winchester City centre. The southern part of the reserve is open to the public free of charge; the north of the reserve requires a permit for access. Durngate Place, Winchester.
For more information please visit www.hwt.org.uk or contact 01489 774400.
Grid ref: SU490306
These maps are intended as a guideline only; you must check the exact location of the reserve yourself. Wildlife Extra assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or usefulness of the information on this website.
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