Brandon Reach

Brandon Reach is a rich and wild addition to Brandon Marsh that will bring people closer to nature, in a land rich in wildlife. Brandon Reach was named to link it to Brandon Marsh and to demonstrate its reach into the wider landscape. The new addition increases our footprint in this area to 178 hectares - bigger than London's Hyde Park!

Location

Brandon Lane, opposite Brandon Marsh

Coventry

CV3 3GW

OS Map Reference

SP386761

Know before you go

Size

62 hectares

Entry fee

No (there is a fee to enter Brandon Marsh opposite)

Parking information

From 3rd September Brandon Marsh car park is available to park in, it is open Weds-Sun 9.30am-3.30pm. It will be locked at 3.30pm.

Bicycle parking

Yes, at Brandon Marsh Nature Centre.

Grazing animals

Yes, on land between Brandon lane and railway line.

Walking trails

Unsurfaced footpaths may become difficult underfoot during wet weather.

Access

The main access is opposite the entrance to Brandon Marsh on Brandon Lane. Please take care when crossing Brandon Lane and keep little people and pets under control along the driveway. Currently there is a complex of permissive unsurfaced footpaths around the site but in the future access will be improved through the installation of DDA-compliant kissing gates and waymarkers.

Dogs

Under effective control

Dogs under close control permitted on Brandon Reach, but not at Brandon Marsh so please keep on a lead until across on site. Please take your dog waste home with you

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

All year round

About the reserve

The addition of this land in 2019 expands the wild and wonderful habitat, protected by us and Brandon Marsh Voluntary Conservation Team for wildlife and people. Brandon Reach is a rich mix of ancient, post-industrial woodland that has given rise to a rich mosaic of habitats from grassland, scrub and early successional woodland through to the mature, ancient woodland of Piles Coppice.

Nestled next to Brandon Wood, Brandon Reach and Piles Coppice provide a wild landscape for adventure and exploration. A wide variety of wildlife can be found across Brandon Reach and due to its different habitats you might spot anything from the greater spotted woodpecker to a grass snake. Different times of year give rise to an abundance of changing colours from the rich blue carpets of bluebells in the spring, to the myriad of browns and copper tones of the autumn across the woodland areas. It truly is a wonderful and inspiring site! In these early days, the Trust are looking to increase positive engagement opportunities for visitors and the local community whilst safeguarding and enhancing this fantastic reserve on the doorstep of Coventry.