Winnall Moors Nature Reserve — Attraction in Winchester

We were not exactly expecting much from a nature reserve in the middle of Winchester.. and the only reason we decided to check it out, was because I spotted it on a map, when we planned to visit the London Canera Exchange a few months back, which we never did... Sadly a part of it was closed off due to grazing animals, but we eventually came across the pond, in the centre of the Reed Beds and it turned out to be an amazing day... the highlights were the Reed Warblers and Reed Buntings... Highly recommended to anyone interested in photography.. oh and one thing, if you own a dog, you cannot take it into the reserve, which for me personally, was a bonus as dogs and water are like magnets and while I love dogs, there are certain places where they simply shouldn't be allowed.

Entry to the reserve is free, though parking opposite the pub, just down the road, is pay and display... but £2.20 for 3 hours, is actually...

Winchester is the most incredible city- a beautiful bustling High Street with quaint but imposing buildings that look as though they are straight from a film set... a Cathedral as fine as any in the World and best of all just a five minute walk away the peace and tranquility of Winnall Nature Reserve...

I can think of no other city in the world where there is such a gem so close....leave the hustle behind and walk through unspoilt water meadows where woodpeckers, coots, moorhen and mallards are also out shopping for that day’s provisions.....where deer roam freely and voles scurry along river banks lit by wild flowers...see swans with their cygnets riding happily on their parents’ back just like the kids with their mums and dads as they wander through this great city of ours....

Please visit throughout the seasons as there is always something new to see...to...

A great place to visit, even as part of a shopping trip to Winchester.

There's a car park next to the reserve and lots of useful signage.

We road-tested my wife's new wheelchair and the zpths all passed, even after December's rainfall.

Siskens and other small birds seen, lots of water fowl and combined with the Itchen flowing quietly by, the perfect antidote to the bustle of modern living.

Worth visiting regularly to observe how seasonal changes affect the reserve.

The pond area doesn't have a viewing balcony as advertised so that was a little disappointing.

Ple ty of places to stop and ponder and the boardwalks are exciting for children and adults alike.

Well worth a visit so we'll be back. Great work by the Hants and IoW wildlife Trust, their volunteers...