Lower Moor - Wiltshire Wildlife Trust

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Discover Lower Moor Farm Complex: A Wildlife Haven

Explore the Lower Moor Farm complex, a collection of four distinct nature reserves managed by the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. This diverse landscape offers a wealth of wildlife and natural beauty to discover.

Lower Moor Farm: 

Start your journey at Lower Moor Farm, the welcoming entrance to Clattinger Farm, Oaksey Moor Farm Meadow, and Sandpool. Explore the network of boardwalks, ancient hedges, woodlands, and meadows that connect the reserves.

Once a gravel quarry, Lower Moor Farm is now a thriving habitat with three lakes, two brooks, ponds, and wetland scrapes. Mallard Lake, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, boasts a unique collection of aquatic plants, including rare stoneworts.

Observe abundant wildfowl like great crested grebes, teals, shoveler ducks, and goosanders on the lakes. Enjoy birdwatching from the hides at Swallow Pool and Cottage Lake, both offering accessible viewing. Keep an eye out for water voles and otters along the Flagham Brook, and spot colorful dragonflies like the emperor, southern hawker, and downy emerald.

Clattinger Farm: A Wildflower Wonderland

Visit Clattinger Farm, a national treasure and the UK's finest example of enclosed lowland grassland. Designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and part of a Special Area of Conservation, this reserve is home to an exceptional variety of wildflowers. In late April, witness a spectacular display of thousands of snakeshead fritillaries.

In June, the meadows burst with colour as meadow saffron, tubular water-dropwort, orchids, and the rare downy-fruited sedge bloom. During the winter, the wet meadows attract wading birds like teal, lapwing, and snipe.

Sandpool and Oaksey Moor Farm Meadow: Ever-Evolving Landscapes

See how nature and agriculture coexist as the roundhouse shelters cattle during the winter. Explore lush grasslands, wet woodlands filled with bees and birds like the willow warbler and chiffchaff, and spot barn owls and bats at dusk. Watch herons raise their chicks in twiggy nests from the bird hide between January and June.

Oaksey Moor Farm Meadow, another gem in this network of grasslands, is full of wildflowers in the summer. Discover devil's-bit scabious, green-winged orchids, pignut, and pepper saxifrage, while ruddy darter and four-spotted chaser dragonflies hover above the pond.

Dragonfly Café and Accessibility:

Take a break at the Dragonfly Café at Lower Moor Reserve, offering refreshments and views of the lake. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. Known for its fantastic cakes and beautiful views over the lake the cafe really is an ideal to spot to take some time and unwind whilst watching the wildlife on the lake. 

Lower Moor Reserve prioritises accessibility, offering free downloadable guides on their website, including large print leaflets, a visual pre-arrival guide, and an easy-read leaflet. A virtual tour video is also available. The reserve features disabled parking bays, ramps, and flat paths throughout, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all visitors.

Plan Your Visit Today:

Don't miss the chance to explore this extraordinary natural wonderland. Immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich history of the Lower Moor Farm complex.