Bateswood

About the reserve

Highlights

• A spring visit is the best time to hear the unmistakable song of the skylark
• Look out for dragonflies and damselflies during the summer months

Reclaimed by wildlife

Since mining activities stopped the reserve has become a haven for a wide range of species. Perhaps most notable for its population of skylarks, their song is unmistakable during spring and summer. Other birds are beginning to use the site too and lapwings have begun breeding in small numbers. The young trees and scrub provide homes and song perches for small birds such as chiffchaff, willow warbler, blackcap and wren.  

Delightful dragonflies

The small pools and wet, marshy areas provide homes for insects and amphibians. With the absence of fish in many of the pools there are relatively few predators of the diverse aquatic insects and their larvae, which are able to thrive in large numbers. Over 13 species of dragonfly have been recorded to date and if you sit quietly on a warm sunny day and you may find yourself becoming a temporary perch for foraging dragonflies! One pool supports a colony of newts, including great crested newts which are an important species and are protected by law.  

A Living Landscape

'Living Landscapes' is The Wildlife Trusts innovative approach to nature conservation and involves focusing our efforts on improving the wider landscape to make it better for wildlife.  Find out more here