Upper and Lower Flexford
A popular green haven amid the surrounding urban encroachment Flexford comprises Upper and Lower Flexford. Both are important for birds and flowering plants. In Upper Flexford the Monk's Brook runs through alder woodland carpeted in spring with garlic smelling ramsons, with solomon's seal, golden saxifrage and wood horsetails. Siskin and Redpoll feed on the alder cones in winter. Downstream the wet meadow of Lower Flexford is a nationally scarce habitat fed from Monks Brook, with species such as ragged robin, marsh marigold, yellow loosestrife and sneezewort in the wet meadows.
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Seasonal Update
With the coming of the warmer weather a feeling of expectation sweeps across the nature reserve.
Green shoots of garlic smelling ransoms begin to appear amidst the leaf litter and hazel catkins spread their pollen in readiness for a new crop of hazel nuts this coming autumn.
The warmer days encourage overwintering adult butterflies such as peacock and red admiral to temporarily come out of hibernation to look for fresh food sources. If the weather turns colder again, they will return to their dormant state in log piles and sheds until spring truly arrives.
Goldfinches, siskins and redpolls continue to feed on the remaining alder catkins which have supported them throughout the winter. This is a good time to spot some of the UK's smaller native bird species as leafless vegetation makes them easier to see. Male chaffinch are starting to exhibit their fresh new breeding plumage while green woodpecker bring a splash of colour to the grassland.
Special Features
- Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC)
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Getting Around
Parking: Upper Flexford is accessed from North Millers Dale (reached from the B3043 Hursley Rd) with on-road parking. To reach Lower Flexford from the B3043 turn into Ramalley Lane (signed cemetery) and park on the right opposite the scout hut. Walk through the Copse to Ramalley Bridge over the railway line.
Pedestrian Access:There are footpaths through the woodland areas of both Upper and Lower Flexford, these can be wet and muddy in winter. There are no footpaths in the wet grasslands and no public access to the wet meadows at Lower Flexford as it is unsafe.
Public Transport: There is a bus stop (request) on North Millers Dale routes 44 and 44A.
Contact Information
For all reserve issues, contact the reserve officer on 02380 424206.
