Lower Moor Farm Nature Reserve
Over the years the Trust has acquired some of the best wildlife hotspots in the county and created Nature Reserves out of them. But as climate change becomes more pressing many of these protected areas may no longer be suitable for the species and ecosystems they were set up to protect.
Their scattered locations mean vulnerable species will have nowhere to go, so it is essential that wildlife hotspots are linked up so that wildlife can follow the climate and landscape conditions to which they are adapted. Lower Moor Farm is the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust’s attempt to build larger areas of good habitat to help wildlife to survive the pressures of climate change.
Ity consists of a wonderful waterscape of three lakes, two brooks, ponds and wetland scrapes linked together by ancient hedges, woodland and meadows. Opened in May 2007 by the Prince of Wales, and the Duchess of Cornwall, it forms the gateway to four neighbouring Trust Reserves – Clattinger Farm, Oaksey Moor Farm Meadow, Swillbrook Lakes and Sandpool Farm.
The visitor centre sets a gold standard for sustainable construction and showcases many ideas to inspire visitors to lead a greener lifestyle. There is also a wildlife learning area where children can enjoy pond dipping and many educational activities are being run through the summer term in conjunction with the Cotswold Water Parks Society.
Wildlife
Teal (Anas crecca), Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula), Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) and Pochard (Aythya farina) are some of the species that populate the waters. Mallard Lake also supports part of a nationally important population of Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus). Water Voles (Arvicola terrestris) and Otters (Lutra lutra) inhabit the Flagham Brook, and Great Crested Newts (Triturus cristatus) use the reserve for foraging. Seven species of dragonfly and the eggs of the rare Brown Hairstreak (Thecla betulae) butterfly have been found here too.
Innumerable birds such as Nightingales (Luscinia megarhynchos), Tawny Owl (Strix aluco), woodpeckers, Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) and Snipe (Gallinago gallinago) make the Reserve their home.
History and management
The lakes were created by gravel extraction in the 1970s. The biggest is Mallard Lake, one of only two lakes in Wiltshire to be designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) as it contains rare stoneworts.
The purchase of Lower Moor Farm also provides additional land, which allows the Trust to move livestock off Clattinger’s valuable swards in the wet weather.
Other information
Dogs are not allowed in the learning area. On the rest of the Reserve they must be on a short leash at all times of year.
As there is unfenced water, a responsible adult must accompany children.
Please keep to edge of the fields to avoid damaging the flowers.
Best time to visit: Any time of year for the bird life, but spring and summer for the dragonflies and damselflies. If you wish to extend your walks into Clattinger Farm it’s best to go in late April for Snake's-head Fritillary to the end of June for hay meadow flowers (hay is cut in July).
Habitat: Lakes, ponds, wetland, hedgerows, woodland, meadows
Specialities of the reserve: Wild flowers, water birds, Brown Hairstreak butterfly
Location: From Oaksey go in the direction of Somerford Keynes, cross the railway line and follow an S-bend. Immediately after the S-bend the entrance is on the right. From Cricklade on the A419, turn left onto the B4696 towards Somerford Keynes. Continue straight over crossroads until you see the entrance on your left. There is parking at the visitor centre.
Seasonal trail guides. Before your visit download one of our seasonal leaflets to take with you. The guides provide a short 1-2 hour walk and points out some key wildlife to look our for during your visit. Spring leaflet, summer leaflet, autumn leaflet, winter leaflet.
Children’s Discovery Trail. Take part in our new Children’s Discovery Trail and have a go at brass rubbing. All six brass plagues on the route were designed by children who attended our family event at February half term 2009.
