Leam Valley

A fantastic nature reserve on the edge of Leamington Spa

Location

Immediately to the east of Leamington Spa. One entrance is at the junction of Willes Road and Newbold Terrace East - this is where the measured mile trail starts. Or enter beside Newbold Community Leisure Centre.
What3Words: learns.beams.output
Leamington Spa
Warwickshire
CV32 4EW

OS Map Reference

SP 25422 60041
A static map of Leam Valley

Know before you go

Size
43 hectares
P

Parking information

Park in the carpark past Newbold Community Leisure Centre or off Radford Road (charges may apply)

Grazing animals

No

Walking trails

View and download the map below to plan your walking route.

 Leam Valley reserve map 

Enjoy a longer walk through the varying habitat and count how many different species of bird you can see and hear. There are a variety of habitats across this extensive reserve, which include woodland, wetland, grasssland, ponds, the adjacent River Leam and Pedley’s Wood. Look out for reed warblers and snipe and, if you’re lucky, otters! Walk a loop of the reserve, starting in Leamington Spa (20 - 30 minutes)

There are some flat and steep sections, and some kissing gates. Please be aware that pathways can flood and become muddy in winter. 

Access

There are numerous paths around this reserve with a variety of surfaces; some are easier to access than others.

Dogs

Dogs permitted

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

April to September

About the reserve

While you're here try spotting the numerous fish in the River Leam where roach, perch and common bream lurk in the depths. A magnificent range of dragonflies and damselflies flit along its banks including banded demoiselle, darters, chasers, hawkers and the emperor dragonfly. Kingfishers can be spotted here and are known to breed along the river. The elusive grass snake may be seen as it swims amongst arrowhead, yellow water-lilies and flowering-rush.

At the edge of the river marsh-marigold, yellow iris and purple-loosestrife flower alongside rushes, sweet-grass and common reed. It is hoped that one day soon, this ideal habitat will welcome the arrival of otter as it gradually re-colonises the county. The rich marsh is dense with many marsh-loving plants, including cuckoo flower, ragged-robin and even the rare snakes-head fritillary. Over the largest area of grassland, cowslips are charmingly scattered amongst the many species of grasses. An abundance of butterflies are attracted including brimstone, peacock, comma and red admiral, with plenty of browns, whites and skippers.

Love wildlife? Become a member and make a difference on your doorstep

As a member, your subscription will help look after local wildlife and our amazing nature reserves across Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull. You'll receive a range of benefits, including free entry to Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve, with member only free car parks where available, and our Wild Warwickshire magazine three times a year.

Become a member

Contact us

Karl Curtis
Contact number: 024 7630 2912
Contact email: enquiries@wkwt.org.uk

Environmental designation

Local Nature Reserve (LNR)

Location map

A map of Leam Valley Nature Reserve

A map of Leam Valley Nature Reserve

Download a large version of the Leam Valley map to print or store

Download the Leam Valley map

Leam Valley Nature Reserve Tour

Enjoy a walk around the reserve with Kat Reay, Leamington's Green Connections Project Officer. 

Kat Reay