Winnall Moors Nature Reserve
Winchester
Winnall Moors Nature Reserve less than half a mile away from the busy city centre. Winchester is fortunate, there are two Nature Reserves in close proximity to the city, this one - Winnall Moors and the other is St Catherine's Hill.
This is such a pretty place, a haven for wild life both flora and fauna. The River Itchen dances through the reserve like sparkling silver stream fairies on a sunny day. Serene, tranquil, an escape from the cares of life. Ahhh!!!!
Winnall Moors Nature Reserve.
Photograph © Peter Jordan
Wild flowers in spring and summer sprinkle the grass with colour. Waterfowl sail softly or dart through the streams in pursuit of their own fare and happiness. Birds swirl in the sky, or keep secret their nests, flitting from bush and tree. Buttterflies flutter by dressed in lovely summer colours. Fish swim among the weeds in the stream.
These are green water meadows. A wild habitat, Remember those binoculars. Did you see the flash of that kingfisher? What was that animal that just dashed into the river bank? There are otters near City Mill, are there any here? Look under the tree roots on the river bank, you could be lucky. Listen...... the water is chuckling, the birds singing, but listen to the silence........
It is the southern end of the reserve that has a circular path and boardwalk. All pushchair and wheelchair friendly. About a mile long, but take your time, peep here and there, stop and watch. Drink in the tranquility. No wet feet!
Winnall Moors Reserve is run by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust who run in the region of fifty such reserves all over the two counties. There is never one that far away!! Not all wetlands, there are the chalk grasslands of the downs, woodlands as well as coastal reserves. They run the other one in Winchester as well, St Catherine's Hill.
The 34 mile long footpath from Winchester Cathedral to Farnham in Surrey, St Swithun's Way, passes Winnall Moors Nature Reserve, it would make a good stop along the way.
No matter whether you are walking from the town or the station on a day out from somewhere else, or coming by car or bus or by bike. Access is not difficult.
Other pages that may be of interest
Exploring Winchester High Street
History of Winchester Cathedral
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Enjoy
St Swithun's Way as it passes Winnall Moor Nature Reserve
Photograph © David Martin
Useful Information
Location
On the edge of Winchester near North Walls and Hyde Abbey
Opening times
Open at all times.
Best time to visit is during May, June and July.
No dogs allowed.
Parking
Park in Durngate Pay and Display car park
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