This is a little gem of a nature reserve just outside of my home town (or village…) of Pewsey.

You can wander along boardwalks through the fenland, across winding streams and past fields of flag irises, whilst the Belted Galloway cattle munch on the surrounding meadows. It has an ancient feel to it and is the perfect place to go to for some peace and quiet.

It’s between the village and the Kennet & Avon Canal, which is handy for a wander back home along the towpath and a drink in the pub.

Here’s some info from the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, with a link to the reserve’s page on their website.

From the plants, such as [1] Yellow Iris (Iris pseudacorus) and Great Horsetail (Equisetum telmateia); through to insects and birds, such as the Snipe (Gallinago gallinago), there is much to see at [2] Jones’s Mill. Rare plants include the Bog Pimpernel (Anagallis tenella) and Flea Sedge (Carex pulicaris). In areas where the Belted Galloways have managed to keep the vegetation short, the tall spikes of Southern Marsh Orchid (Dactylorhiza praetermissa) and Common Spotted Orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii) can be seen.