Claybrookes Marsh

Claybrookes Marsh Credit Joyce James 2018

Credit Joyce James Photography

Claybrookes Marsh

Louise Barrack

Claybrookes Marsh grasses Credit Joyce James 2018

Credit Joyce James Photography

Stroll through woodland and grassland in this urban nature reserve

Location

On the south east edge of Coventry, off the A428 Binley Road, turn south into Willenhall Lane, then third left into Grange Avenue.
Coventry
CV3 2ED

OS Map Reference

SP 380 769
A static map of Claybrookes Marsh

Know before you go

Size
13 hectares
P

Parking information

Parking on Grange Avenue and Oak Lane

Grazing animals

No

Walking trails

Paths meander through the reserve, may be wet underfoot in some areas. 

Access

Relatively flat, soft patches and can flood in winter.

Dogs

On a lead

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

March to September

About the reserve

Originally this reserve would have been grassland and a natural marsh but for much of the twentieth century it formed the railhead for Binley Colliery. As a result, a wide range of habitats have developed from the relics of the original marsh to bare ground and dry grassland. Later, industrial development was forestalled by discoveries of 49 nationally and regionally scarce insects, and the site was given SSSI status, saving it from destruction. 

Explore the range of habitats and wildlife here on the paths that meander through the reserve. Bare ground provides a range of small, native plants making it a sanctuary for bees, wasps and beetles. In the grassland, flowers such as bird’s-foot trefoil and hare’s-foot clover and drifts of Yorkshire-fog attract local butterfly species such as marbled white and small heath. Look out for common spotted-orchid, yellow loosestrife and tutsan. Visit in June to see the dozen different dragonfly species flit across the small pools. Frogs, toads and smooth newts hide amongst the purple loosestrife, rushes and reeds.

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Contact us

Karl Curtis
Contact number: 024 7630 2912

Environmental designation

Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

Location map