Lower Moor
As some of the lockdown rules are easing, we are beginning to venture out and about. Most excursions are to outdoor places, such as the Cotswold Sculpture Park. Last week, we visited Lower Moor, one of the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust nature reserves. Located within a few miles of Swindon, it is an ideal spot for our young adventurer to explore.
The site has ample parking space at the visitor centre. From the car park, it is a short walk to the replica Iron Age hut which is the focal point for many of the educational activities and a good starting point from which to investigate.
There is a stunning breadth of features across the reserve. Lakes, ponds, brooks, wetland areas, hedgerow, woodland, and meadows spread over 126 hectares. Hides around the lakes offer viewing opportunities for various birds, and – if you’re lucky – otters. We didn’t see the otters this time, but are quite certain that we viewed them last time we visited.
The footpaths meander through a beautifully diverse range of terrain. Some with wide views across the lakes, other paths shaded by woodland trees. Pause a while to hear the birds; a scolding wren, a blackbird’s song, and buzzards calling as they circle high above the canopy.
Our sightings this visit included baby frogs, clusters of cinnabar moth caterpillars, common terns, a grey heron, numerous butterflies, and a wide array of meadow flowers. It’s a beautiful reserve; somewhere which holds attraction throughout the seasons. Dogs are permitted providing they are on leads, and the area which we walked was very accessible.
Lower Moor is somewhere to absorb and observe nature. You will find tranquility here.
Thank you Emma for sharing that. It sounds a beautiful place and your photos are lovely
Thank you, Eileen. I recommend a visit – dog friendly too if the dog is kept on a lead.
I spend a lot of time there, monitoring the birdlife, and it is a lovely place to visit and work. As Emma says, please keep dogs on leads: the lakes are very tempting, but the accessible points are also particularly important for sensitive wildlife.
If you are lucky you might well see a Kingfisher or two. If you are even luckier you might get to see the Otters: they are frequently out in daylight. Definitely well worth a visit.
Thanks for taking the time to read, and comment, Simon. We’ll definitely be back at different times of day to try to spot the otters.