Cloatley Meadows Nature Reserve

On the edge of the Braydon Forest this large grassland reserve is made up of eight fields of wildflower-rich hay meadows and pastures, as well as hedgerows and a small copse. Many of the fields clearly show the undulations of an ancient ridge-and-furrow field system.

Wildlife

Hay meadow flowers such as Devil’s-bit Scabious (Succisa pratensis), Saw-wort (Serratula tinctoria), Pepper Saxifrage (Silaum silaus), and Pignut (Conopodium majus), as well as the uncommon Chimney Sweeper (Odezia atrata) moth, which flies during the daytime and lays its eggs on Pignut, highlighting the importance of this plant. Brown Hairstreak (Thecla betulae) butterflies lay their eggs on the Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) in the hedges.

History and management

The Trust took the property back under direct management in 2005 and it is now planned to undertake hay cutting management once every three years with grazing happening on the other years; this is the historical way these grasslands would have been managed. Trust cattle such as Belted Galloway, carry out summer grazing, or graze after the hay is cut.

Sheep are grazed over winter to finish the management requirements. Hedges are now cut on a rotational basis with a third of the hedges on the property being cut every year. Overgrown hedges are good for biodiversity and feeding sites for birds during winter.

Other information

Dogs are allowed, but must be on a short leash at all times of year.
Best time to visit: Early summer (up to mid-July) before the hay is cut.
Habitat: Woodland, wildflower meadows, hedgerows, ponds.
Specialities on the reserve: Chimney sweeper moth that flies during the daytime, usually in June or July.
Location: From the Malmesbury to Cricklade road (B4040), turn off for Hankerton in the village of Charlton. In Hankerton turn right into Cloatley road, (signed for Cricklade and Minety). Reserve entrance and car park are on left 1 mile along this road, just after the garage. Cycle stands. Grid reference ST984906