Bathampton Meadow

Wet meadows and an ox-bow lake, abundant in migrant and water birds, butterflies and dragonflies.

Location

Mill Lane
Bathampton
Bath
BA2 6TR
A static map of Bathampton Meadow

Know before you go

Size
10 hectares
z

Entry fee

No

Grazing animals

Yes

Walking trails

There is no access permitted to the site, but you are able to bring a telescope to view the birds from the edge of the site.

Access

No access permitted due to agreement with Highways Agency.

Dogs

On a lead

At the edge of the site only, no access to the site.

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

April to July, September to November

About the reserve

This reserve was created in 1996 to provide additional flood relief for the A46 Bathampton bypass, these wet meadows and the oxbow lake have proved particularly attractive to a number of migrant birds.   The site is good for migrant water birds, with waders such as dunlin, ringed and little ringed plover, and green and common sandpiper which are attracted to the muddy margins in spring and autumn. Sand martin and kingfisher have been seen regularly by the oxbow, and other migrant birds include yellow wagtail, whinchat and hobby. Small blue butterfly has been recorded here. The site provides an ideal environment for a range of dragonfly and damselfly visiting in high numbers.

Contact us

Avon Wildlife Trust
Contact number: 0117 917 7270

Environmental designation

Local Wildlife Site (LWS)
Site of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI)