This is a nice little nature reserve that's tucked away at the top of High Penn. It has changed a lot over the past 100 years, from farmland, to quarry, to landhill site, to farmland again. In 2010, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust planted 10,000 young trees, in this 7.7 hectare nature reserve, with local people to start the woodland off.
There are great views of Cherhill White Horse and the Lansdowne monument. In the summer it's a good spot for some species of orchid. At the moment horsetail seems to be taking over areas of the site, but as the trees mature the population of horsetail may recede. There is a lake, but this is a private fishing lake. There are some wide mown pathways around the reserve and many smaller trampled paths. It's a really nice place to spend an hour wandering around looking and hearing the wildlife.
There is a small area for parking right at the top of High Penn, which is itself a small road only for the houses up that road and for access to the nature reserve. I wouldn't advise people using pushchairs or wheelchairs to try to access this site. There are no...
Read moreNice for a short walk. The area is beautiful, with walks around the small lakes. It's beautifully wooded, surrounded by wildlife, wildflowers and vey quiet. There are well maintained natural paths looping around the area (very muddy in areas, so I'd advise wearing suitable boots in wetter months). There were also footpaths nearby, but we didn't get a chance to explore them. Dogs can be taken if kept on a lead. There are no facilities and the road to the area is a small country road. There is limited parking at...
Read moreA hidden gem with really easy access to great walks that can be as short or as long as you want to make them. Made for a nice frosty walk today with lots of exploring for the dog and child.
It could be considered tricky to find as it's up a long track and there is no obvious signage or parking along with a private lake before it. Just keep going and till you can...
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