Leam Valley

About the reserve

What is there to do here?

Here at Leam Valley you can try one of our new, interactive, measured mile trails! Get the kids out, active and enjoying nature. It's only one mile long with activities along the way, to keep your young ones running to the next post. “Flap your wings like a butterfly”, “hop like a frog” and “scurry like a beetle” along the route. The trail meanders through the site starting at the entrance opposite the far end of Jephson Gardens - follow the wooden markers!  

What's it like to visit?

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.   

Can you help look after this beautiful nature reserve?

In winter we need volunteers for our Work Parties. 

• Stay active
• Meet new people
• Improve your local nature reserve for visitors 
• Protect wildlife
• Do your bit for your local community  

Typical tasks include woodland glade creation, control of invasive species, wildflower grassland management, and coppicing.

Want to find out more?
Contact our Volunteer Co-ordinator:
volunteer@wkwt.org.uk
024 7630 2912