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Winnall Moors Wildlife Reserve What will I find? It is easy to forget in this tranquil spot that the bustling city centre is a short walk away. Winnall Moors has the renowned and beautiful River Itchen flowing throughout its length, providing much needed water for the wet grasslands, reedbeds and ponds. In the southern end of the reserve a circular walk leads you along the riverbank and other waterways, with great views of the bird and plant life that abounds here. A closer look at waterlife can be had from the pond platform. The wet grasslands in the north of the reserve are important for their wetland plants and breeding bird interest. The fields are managed by a combination of hay cutting and grazing by cattle and sheep. How will I get around? The southern part of Winnall Moors is open access all year round; to view the north of the reserve you can attend one of the guided walks (for details contact the reserves Officer on 07831 692963). No dogs are allowed on the reserve. How do I get there? Winnall Moors wildlife reserve is situated within half a mile of Winchester City centre. Winchester has a train station and bus station from which the reserve is within easy walking distance. From North Walls Road (one way) take the first left into Hyde Abbey Road and follow round to the right into Gordon Road. A leisure centre is on the right where car parking is available. Here are the pages of the Reserves Guide. There is a map and guided walk from Winchester City Mill to the reserve. The other entrance can be reached on foot via Durngate Place, which is at the end of North Walls Road near the police station. There is a separate walkway over the bridge from which the reserve can be reached. Winnall Moors Project The Wildlife Trust has applied to the Heritage Lottery Fund for a grant to deliver a five year programme of improvements to public access, community involvement and habitat restoration. These plans will further improve the reserve for both people and wildlife.	Things to look out for… In the northern part of the reserve plants such as Southern Marsh Orchid, Marsh valerian, Bogbean, ragged-Robin and Marsh-marigold can be found. The rare Green-flowered Helleborine is found under Willow trees in the southern part of the site. The River Itchen has distinctive plant life such as water Crowfoot and Lesser Water-parsnip. On its banks Purple Loosestrife, Orange Balsam, Gypsywort and various sedges provide cover which is used in spring by nesting birds such as Tufted Duck and Mallard and in winter by Gadwall and Wigeon. Reedbeds and open mixed fen in the southern end of the reserve are dominated by tall grasses interspersed with Fleabane, Meadowsweet, Fen Bedstraw and Skullcap. Here, amongst the reeds in spring, Reed and Sedge warblers breed in large numbers. Unusually for a chalk stream the Itchen has many different species of breeding dragonfly including the Broad-bodied Chaser and Common Darter. You may see our staff and volunteers carrying out work on the reserve. If you would like to take part, please contact the Trust and ask about the Friends of Winnall volunteer group.
Would you like more information? More information on access around the reserve is available from our main office on 01489 774400. More information about Winnall Moors and our other reserves is available from our Wildlife & Wild places Reserves Guide, priced at £6.99 or free to members who pay by direct debit. To purchase your copy or to become a member, contact us on 01489 774400 or complete and return a membership form.