<![CDATA[Seven Fields Nature Reserve - Swindon UK]]>https://www.sevenfieldsnaturereserve.co.ukhttps://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!EHQT!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F71405575-751c-4fdf-bac7-52c71313f2cd_1280x1280.pngSeven Fields Nature Reserve - Swindon UKhttps://www.sevenfieldsnaturereserve.co.ukSubstackSun, 31 May 2026 05:45:08 GMT<![CDATA[Explore Sevenfields with this walk]]>https://www.sevenfieldsnaturereserve.co.uk/p/explore-sevenfields-with-this-walkhttps://www.sevenfieldsnaturereserve.co.uk/p/explore-sevenfields-with-this-walkFri, 02 Jan 2026 16:00:04 GMT🚶 CIRCULAR WALK 3: Seven Fields Wildflower Wandering

Fancy a gentle stroll through the hidden kingdom of Seven Fields? Our Circular Walk 3 is the perfect way to discover the secret lives of our ancient wildflower meadows and hedgerows.

✨ Walk Details:

📍 Start & finish: Penhill Library

⏱️ Duration: 55 minutes

📏 Distance: 4.4km / 2.8 miles

🌿 Perfect for: All abilities

This route winds through some of the reserve’s most enchanting corners, where you’ll spot seasonal wildflowers, ancient hedgerow trees, and maybe even spot some of our resident wildlife. It’s the ideal pace for observing the small details that make Seven Fields so special—the insects, the bird calls, the way light filters through the tree canopy.

Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or just looking for a peaceful afternoon in nature, this walk invites you to slow down and truly see your local landscape.

Ready to explore? Grab a map, lace up your walking boots, and join us on the trail. Every visit reveals something new. 🌾

https://www.swindontravelchoices.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Get-Walking-North-Map3.pdf

]]><![CDATA[Why Wildflower Meadows Need Time]]>https://www.sevenfieldsnaturereserve.co.uk/p/why-wildflower-meadows-need-timehttps://www.sevenfieldsnaturereserve.co.uk/p/why-wildflower-meadows-need-timeFri, 02 Jan 2026 04:01:37 GMTWe live in a world that loves quick results. But wildflower meadows don’t work that way. They need time—decades, sometimes centuries—to become truly rich.

The Soil Tells the Story

At Seven Fields, our ancient meadows have never been ploughed or treated with chemicals. The soil is old, undisturbed, and relatively poor in nutrients. That might sound like a bad thing, but it’s actually perfect.

Rich soil grows tall, aggressive grasses that crowd out everything else. Poor soil? That’s where wildflowers thrive. Orchids, harebells, birdsfoot trefoil, and dozens of other species can compete here. The result is diversity—a tapestry of colours, shapes, and scents.

Building a Community

A wildflower meadow isn’t just plants. It’s an entire community. Each flower supports specific insects. Those insects feed birds. The birds spread seeds. Fungi in the soil help roots absorb nutrients. Everything connects.

This takes time to build. You can’t rush it. You can plant wildflower seeds, and they’ll grow. But a truly ancient meadow—with rare species, complex relationships, and deep resilience—that’s the work of generations.

What We’re Protecting

When you walk through Seven Fields, you’re walking through history. These meadows have been managed gently for hundreds of years. They’ve survived because people understood their value and resisted the urge to “improve” them.

Every orchid, every butterfly, every patch of yellow rattle is part of that story. They’re here because the meadow has had time to develop, to balance, to become itself.

What You Can Do

Visit the meadows. Learn their rhythms. Notice what blooms when. Share what you see. The more people understand and love these places, the safer they are.

And if you have a garden, consider letting part of it grow wild. It won’t become an ancient meadow overnight—but it’s a start. Nature rewards patience.

At Seven Fields, we’re not just protecting flowers. We’re protecting time itself—the slow, steady work of nature building something extraordinary.

]]><![CDATA[January Mornings at Seven Fields]]>https://www.sevenfieldsnaturereserve.co.uk/p/january-mornings-at-seven-fieldshttps://www.sevenfieldsnaturereserve.co.uk/p/january-mornings-at-seven-fieldsFri, 02 Jan 2026 03:59:16 GMTThere’s something magical about January mornings at the reserve. The air is sharp and clean, and everything feels still—like the land is taking a deep breath before spring begins.

What to Look For

The ancient oaks stand bare against pale skies, their twisted branches telling stories centuries old. Look closely at the bark. You might spot tiny insects tucked into crevices, waiting out the cold.

Down in the meadows, frost paints delicate patterns on last year’s seed heads. They’re not just pretty—they’re winter larders. Goldfinches and linnets work through them, their soft calls breaking the quiet.

The Hidden Life

Winter feels empty, but it’s not. Beneath your feet, the soil is alive with activity. Earthworms are working, fungi are spreading, and seeds are waiting. This quiet time is when the reserve recharges.

Early morning is best. That’s when you might catch a muntjac deer stepping carefully through the grass, breath misting in the cold air. Or hear the sudden laugh of a green woodpecker—a sound that always makes you smile.

Why January Matters

We often rush through winter, waiting for spring. But January has its own beauty. The bones of the landscape show through. You can see how the fields connect, how water moves, how the old hedgerows shelter life.

This is the month to slow down. To notice. To remember that nature doesn’t stop—it just changes rhythm.

Come early. Bring a flask of something warm. Stand still for a moment and just listen. You’ll be surprised what you hear.

]]><![CDATA[Junior Rangers: Inspiring the Next Generation at Seven Fields]]>https://www.sevenfieldsnaturereserve.co.uk/p/junior-rangers-inspiring-the-nexthttps://www.sevenfieldsnaturereserve.co.uk/p/junior-rangers-inspiring-the-nextFri, 02 Jan 2026 03:20:11 GMTSeven Fields offers invaluable outdoor education opportunities for North Swindon’s young people. School groups visit to study habitats, identify wildflowers, and learn about ecosystems. The Wildlife Trusts’ 2025 report “Childhood Nature Connection” found that children with regular access to nature reserves show improved mental health, academic performance, and environmental awareness. Activities like pond dipping in Haydon Brook, bug hunting in the meadows, and tree identification in Penhill Copse create memorable learning experiences. The reserve’s proximity to residential areas means families can visit regularly, building the nature connection that research shows must begin before age 12 to create lifelong conservation advocates. Consider bringing children to Seven Fields for seasonal scavenger hunts, nature journaling, or simply unstructured outdoor play, the reserve is their natural inheritance.

]]><![CDATA[Soil Health: The Foundation of Seven Fields’ Biodiversity]]>https://www.sevenfieldsnaturereserve.co.uk/p/soil-health-the-foundation-of-sevenhttps://www.sevenfieldsnaturereserve.co.uk/p/soil-health-the-foundation-of-sevenFri, 02 Jan 2026 03:19:27 GMTSeven Fields’ spectacular wildflower displays start underground. The reserve’s unimproved grassland soils are relatively low in nutrients, paradoxically, this is exactly what rare wildflowers need. Nutrient-rich soils favor aggressive grasses that outcompete delicate flowers. The soil’s pH, drainage, and microbial communities determine which species thrive. Earthworms (up to 1.75 million per acre in healthy grassland, according to the Earthworm Society of Britain) aerate the soil and recycle nutrients. Mycorrhizal fungi create vast underground networks connecting plant roots. The Soil Association’s 2025 State of UK Soils report emphasizes that unimproved meadows like Seven Fields store significant carbon and support soil biodiversity found nowhere else. Protecting these soils means avoiding compaction, chemical inputs, and over-grazing.

]]><![CDATA[Soundscapes of Seven Fields: The Reserve’s Acoustic Ecology]]>https://www.sevenfieldsnaturereserve.co.uk/p/soundscapes-of-seven-fields-the-reserveshttps://www.sevenfieldsnaturereserve.co.uk/p/soundscapes-of-seven-fields-the-reservesFri, 02 Jan 2026 03:18:39 GMTClose your eyes in Seven Fields and let your ears guide you. Spring mornings explode with the Dawn Chorus—Robins, Blackbirds, Song Thrushes, and Wrens competing for territory. Summer brings the constant hum of pollinators, the rasp of grasshoppers, and the liquid song of Skylarks overhead. Autumn sees Tawny Owls establishing territories with their “tu-whit, tu-whoo” duets. Winter brings the chattering of Fieldfare flocks and the thin calls of Long-tailed Tits. The British Library’s Wildlife Sounds collection and apps like BirdNET can help you identify calls. Research from the University of East Anglia (2025) shows that “acoustic diversity” correlates strongly with ecosystem health, the more varied the soundscape, the richer the biodiversity. Seven Fields’ symphony indicates a thriving ecosystem.

]]><![CDATA[Seed Dispersal Strategies: Nature’s Ingenious Travel Methods at Seven Fields]]>https://www.sevenfieldsnaturereserve.co.uk/p/seed-dispersal-strategies-natureshttps://www.sevenfieldsnaturereserve.co.uk/p/seed-dispersal-strategies-naturesFri, 02 Jan 2026 03:17:48 GMTWalk through Seven Fields in late summer and you become an unwitting seed courier. Burdock burrs cling to clothing and dog fur (the inspiration for Velcro!), while Cleavers use tiny hooks to hitchhike. Dandelion and Thistle seeds parachute on the wind, sometimes traveling miles. Hawthorn and Blackthorn berries are eaten by birds who deposit seeds in new locations via droppings. Violets in Penhill Copse employ “explosive” dispersal—seed pods that burst open, flinging seeds several feet. The British Ecological Society’s 2025 research highlights that diverse dispersal strategies in nature reserves like Seven Fields create resilient plant communities better able to adapt to environmental change. Next time you remove sticky seeds from your socks, remember—you’re participating in an ancient ecological partnership.

]]><![CDATA[Life Returns: Creating Wetland Habitats at Seven Fields]]>https://www.sevenfieldsnaturereserve.co.uk/p/life-returns-creating-wetland-habitatshttps://www.sevenfieldsnaturereserve.co.uk/p/life-returns-creating-wetland-habitatsFri, 02 Jan 2026 03:16:54 GMTWhile the historic Twin Ponds are long gone, Seven Fields’ conservation efforts include maintaining and creating small wetland features. Haydon Brook provides permanent water, but seasonal puddles, damp hollows, and managed wet areas create vital breeding sites for amphibians. The Freshwater Habitats Trust’s 2025 research shows that even small ponds (under 2m²) can support 70+ species. Seven Fields’ damp areas host Common Frogs, Smooth Newts, and numerous aquatic invertebrates. Dragonflies and Damselflies patrol the brook in summer, including Common Blue Damselflies and Broad-bodied Chasers. Creating a small wildlife pond in your garden (just 1m across) can extend the reserve’s wetland network, providing stepping stones for aquatic species across North Swindon’s urban landscape.

]]><![CDATA[The Art of Hedgelaying: Traditional Skills Preserving Seven Fields]]>https://www.sevenfieldsnaturereserve.co.uk/p/the-art-of-hedgelaying-traditionalhttps://www.sevenfieldsnaturereserve.co.uk/p/the-art-of-hedgelaying-traditionalFri, 02 Jan 2026 03:16:12 GMTThe hedgerows surrounding Seven Fields aren’t just boundaries—they’re living monuments to centuries of agricultural craft. Traditional hedgelaying, practiced at Seven Fields by skilled volunteers, involves partially cutting hedge stems and laying them at an angle, weaving them between upright stakes. This creates dense, stock-proof barriers while rejuvenating aging hedges. The National Hedgelaying Society reports that properly laid hedges can last 50+ years and support 80% more wildlife than untrimmed hedges. Seven Fields’ hedgerows contain Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Field Maple, Hazel, and Dogwood—the diversity indicating ancient origins. Watching hedgelayers work during winter conservation days offers a masterclass in countryside skills that connect us to 1,000+ years of land management tradition.

]]><![CDATA[Climate Indicators: What Seven Fields Tells Us About Environmental Change]]>https://www.sevenfieldsnaturereserve.co.uk/p/climate-indicators-what-seven-fieldshttps://www.sevenfieldsnaturereserve.co.uk/p/climate-indicators-what-seven-fieldsFri, 02 Jan 2026 03:15:15 GMTSeven Fields serves as a living laboratory for climate change observation. Long-term volunteers have noted subtle shifts: earlier flowering dates for some wildflowers, changes in bird migration timing, and the appearance of southern butterfly species previously rare in Wiltshire. The UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology’s 2025 Nature’s Calendar project shows spring now arrives 8-12 days earlier than in the 1980s. Seven Fields’ records contribute to this national dataset. You can help by recording first sightings of butterflies, flowering plants, or migrant birds using apps like iRecord or Nature’s Calendar. The Met Office’s 2025 State of UK Climate report emphasizes that local phenology data from sites like Seven Fields is crucial for understanding regional climate impacts and informing conservation strategies.

]]><![CDATA[Fungi Forays: Autumn’s Hidden Kingdom at Seven Fields]]>https://www.sevenfieldsnaturereserve.co.uk/p/fungi-forays-autumns-hidden-kingdomhttps://www.sevenfieldsnaturereserve.co.uk/p/fungi-forays-autumns-hidden-kingdomFri, 02 Jan 2026 03:14:32 GMTAutumn transforms Seven Fields into a fungal wonderland. Penhill Copse’s ancient woodland floor produces spectacular displays of Fly Agaric, Honey Fungus, and Sulphur Tuft. The meadows reveal Waxcaps, Puffballs, and Field Mushrooms, while decaying wood hosts Bracket Fungi and Jelly Ear. The Woodland Trust’s 2024 fungi survey identified over 15,000 fungal species in UK woodlands, with ancient sites like Penhill Copse supporting the greatest diversity. These aren’t just beautiful—they’re essential. Mycorrhizal fungi form partnerships with tree roots, exchanging nutrients and water, while decomposers recycle nutrients back into the soil. Never eat wild fungi without expert identification, but do photograph and record your finds on apps like iNaturalist to contribute to citizen science.

]]><![CDATA[Butterfly Hotspots: Where and When to Find Seven Fields’ Lepidoptera]]>https://www.sevenfieldsnaturereserve.co.uk/p/butterfly-hotspots-where-and-whenhttps://www.sevenfieldsnaturereserve.co.uk/p/butterfly-hotspots-where-and-whenFri, 02 Jan 2026 03:13:43 GMTSeven Fields’ diverse habitats support over 20 butterfly species throughout the warmer months. Spring brings Brimstones, Orange-tips, and Peacocks to the flowering hedgerows. Summer meadows attract Common Blues, Meadow Browns, Gatekeepers, and Small Tortoiseshells, while Ringlets prefer the longer grass near Lark Meadow. The bramble patches along Half Moon Ground are magnets for Commas and Red Admirals. Butterfly Conservation’s 2025 Big Butterfly Count revealed that species-rich meadows like those at Seven Fields recorded 3.5 times more butterfly sightings than urban gardens. The best viewing times are warm, sunny mornings between 10am-2pm from June through August. Bring binoculars and a field guide—you might spot rarities like the Small Copper or Holly Blue.

]]><![CDATA[The Secret Lives of Seven Fields’ Nocturnal Wildlife ]]>https://www.sevenfieldsnaturereserve.co.uk/p/the-secret-lives-of-seven-fieldshttps://www.sevenfieldsnaturereserve.co.uk/p/the-secret-lives-of-seven-fieldsFri, 02 Jan 2026 03:13:03 GMTWhen the last dog walkers leave Seven Fields at dusk, a different community emerges. Tawny Owls call from Penhill Copse, their haunting hoots echoing across the meadows. Pipistrelle and Brown Long-eared Bats hunt insects above Haydon Brook, consuming up to 3,000 midges per night according to the Bat Conservation Trust. Badgers emerge from setts along the woodland edges, following ancient paths to forage in the meadows. Foxes patrol the field margins, while Hedgehogs (now classified as vulnerable to extinction in Britain) shuffle through the undergrowth. The UK Mammal Society’s 2025 monitoring data shows that nature reserves with connected habitats like Seven Fields provide crucial refuges for declining nocturnal species. Consider joining a guided night walk to experience this hidden world.

]]><![CDATA[Spring Wildflower Forecast: What to Watch For in 2026]]>https://www.sevenfieldsnaturereserve.co.uk/p/spring-wildflower-forecast-what-tohttps://www.sevenfieldsnaturereserve.co.uk/p/spring-wildflower-forecast-what-toFri, 02 Jan 2026 03:10:59 GMTAs winter fades, Seven Fields transforms into one of Wiltshire’s finest wildflower displays. February brings the first Snowdrops and Lesser Celandine along Haydon Brook. By March, Primroses dot the woodland edges of Penhill Copse, while Violets (three varieties!) carpet the ancient woodland floor. April sees the arrival of Cowslips in the meadows and Bluebells in shaded areas. But the real spectacle begins in May with Early Purple Orchids in Cemetery Field, building to the June-July peak when over 200 species bloom simultaneously. According to Plantlife’s 2024 State of UK Wildflowers report, traditionally managed hay meadows like Seven Fields support 45% more species than improved grassland, making your spring visits a masterclass in biodiversity.

]]><![CDATA[Seven Fields parkrun: Where Nature Reserve Meets Community Fitness]]>https://www.sevenfieldsnaturereserve.co.uk/p/seven-fields-parkrun-where-naturehttps://www.sevenfieldsnaturereserve.co.uk/p/seven-fields-parkrun-where-natureFri, 02 Jan 2026 03:10:04 GMTEvery Saturday morning at 9:00am, runners, joggers, and walkers gather at Seven Fields Nature Reserve for one of Swindon’s most scenic 5k routes. The Seven Fields parkrun combines community fitness with the reserve’s spectacular natural beauty, offering participants a free weekly event through 100 acres of wildflower meadows, ancient woodland, and historic landscapes.

A Course Through Conservation History

The parkrun route winds through the very habitats that have been protected since the Seven Fields Conservation Group was established in 1989. Runners pass through areas rich with over 200 wildflower species in spring and summer, alongside hedgerows that support dozens of bird species, and across medieval ridge and furrow patterns that date back centuries. It’s a 5k that doubles as a nature tour through one of Wiltshire’s finest Local Nature Reserves.

More Than Just a Run

What makes Seven Fields parkrun special isn’t just the scenery—it’s the community. The event is entirely volunteer-run, with local residents giving their time each week to make it happen. After each event, participants gather at the Really Awesome Coffee Company for post-run refreshments and conversation. Whether you’re a serious runner chasing a personal best or a walker enjoying a Saturday morning stroll, everyone is welcome at whatever pace suits them.

Getting Involved

Participate: Register once at parkrun.org.uk (it’s completely free), bring your barcode, and turn up any Saturday at 9:00am. The start point is at Seven Fields Nature Reserve and Penhill Sports Field, near Hillary Close, Swindon (closest postcode SN25 3AQ).

Volunteer: Every parkrun needs volunteers to make it happen—timekeepers, barcode scanners, marshals, and tail walkers. Email sevenfields@parkrun.com to get involved. Volunteering is a brilliant way to support your community while enjoying the reserve’s atmosphere.

Explore: Before or after your parkrun, take time to explore the wider reserve. Visit Penhill Copse’s ancient woodland, spot orchids in the meadows (spring/summer), or follow Haydon Brook as it meanders through the landscape.

Why Seven Fields parkrun Matters

In an era when both physical inactivity and nature disconnection are recognized public health concerns, Seven Fields parkrun addresses both simultaneously. Research from the Wildlife Trusts (2025) shows that exercise in natural environments provides greater mental health benefits than indoor or urban exercise. The parkrun movement has introduced millions of people to regular physical activity, and Seven Fields offers this in one of North Swindon’s most biodiverse settings.

The event also raises awareness of the reserve itself. Many parkrun participants have become conservation volunteers, joined the Seven Fields Conservation Group, or simply become more invested in protecting local green spaces. Every Saturday, hundreds of people experience firsthand why this 100-acre site deserves its Local Nature Reserve status.

Practical Information

  • When: Every Saturday, 9:00am

  • Where: Seven Fields Nature Reserve and Penhill Sports Field, Nr. Hillary Close, Swindon, SN25 3AQ

  • Cost: Free (but you must register once at parkrun.org.uk)

  • What to bring: Your parkrun barcode (digital or printed)

  • After: Coffee at Really Awesome Coffee Company

  • Contact: sevenfields@parkrun.com

  • Course details: parkrun.org.uk/sevenfields/course

Join the Movement

Whether you’re a local resident looking for Saturday morning motivation, a parkrun tourist visiting Swindon, or someone who’s never run 5k before, Seven Fields parkrun welcomes you. You’ll get a timed 5k, a dose of nature, and a supportive community—all for free, every single week.

The reserve has been protected for 35 years by dedicated volunteers. Now, every Saturday, it hosts a community event that celebrates both fitness and the natural world. That’s the Seven Fields spirit: where conservation meets community, and where everyone is welcome.

See you Saturday at 9:00am!

]]><![CDATA[Climate Adaptation: Protecting Seven Fields for Future Generations]]>https://www.sevenfieldsnaturereserve.co.uk/p/climate-adaptation-protecting-sevenhttps://www.sevenfieldsnaturereserve.co.uk/p/climate-adaptation-protecting-sevenFri, 02 Jan 2026 03:03:31 GMTFollowing The Wildlife Trusts’ 2025 Resilient Nature report, which highlights how UK nature is bearing the brunt of chaotic climate, nature reserves like Seven Fields play crucial roles in conservation. The UK government’s 2025 adaptation progress report emphasizes the importance of nature-based solutions. Seven Fields’ diverse habitats—from wildflower meadows to ancient woodland—provide resilience through variety, supporting species adaptation to changing conditions.

]]><![CDATA[Haydon Brook: A Living Stream Through Seven Fields]]>https://www.sevenfieldsnaturereserve.co.uk/p/haydon-brook-a-living-stream-throughhttps://www.sevenfieldsnaturereserve.co.uk/p/haydon-brook-a-living-stream-throughFri, 02 Jan 2026 03:02:18 GMTHaydon Brook rises near the junction of the Bridle Track and Whitworth Road, joined by another stream rising from under the cemetery. Fed by land water from surrounding estates, it runs westwardly eventually to the River Ray and then the Thames. Its banks are rich with plant life including Figwort, Garlic Mustard and Wild Angelica. Sticklebacks, voles, and frogs can be seen in and around the brook. Historically, water from Spring Field was used by Arkells Brewery, established in 1843.

]]><![CDATA[Penhill Copse: Ancient Woodland Indicators]]>https://www.sevenfieldsnaturereserve.co.uk/p/penhill-copse-ancient-woodland-indicatorshttps://www.sevenfieldsnaturereserve.co.uk/p/penhill-copse-ancient-woodland-indicatorsFri, 02 Jan 2026 03:01:04 GMTPenhill Copse can be seen on maps dating back to 1796 and shows every indicator of ancient woodland—land continuously wooded since 1600 in England. The woodland consists of Ash, Beech and Maple trees, with shrubs including Hazel, Spindle, Elder, Currant and Holly. The forest floor hosts Ivy, Dog Mercury, Celandine, Wood Anemone and three varieties of Violet. Wildlife includes Greater Spotted Woodpeckers, Long Tailed Tits, Gold Crests, Tawny and Small Eared Owls, plus healthy populations of squirrels and bats.

]]><![CDATA[Chequers and Twin Ponds: From Ridge and Furrow to Cycle Way]]>https://www.sevenfieldsnaturereserve.co.uk/p/chequers-and-twin-ponds-from-ridgehttps://www.sevenfieldsnaturereserve.co.uk/p/chequers-and-twin-ponds-from-ridgeFri, 02 Jan 2026 02:59:51 GMTNow serving as a cycle way and play area, the Twin Ponds area (Elsham Way) once displayed ridge and furrow contours on its surface. Though not as deep as those in Furrow Field, these patterns were caused by the old method of dividing a field into furlongs, each worked by one person—similar to today’s leisure gardens, except in those days people’s livelihoods depended upon it. The field name “Chequers” comes from the Wild Service Tree, whose folk name is Chequers, believed to reference the chequered appearance of its seeds. This area shows how Seven Fields has adapted over time, with some sections transitioning to recreational use while maintaining connections to agricultural heritage.

]]><![CDATA[Half Moon Ground and the Historic Bridle Track]]>https://www.sevenfieldsnaturereserve.co.uk/p/half-moon-ground-and-the-historichttps://www.sevenfieldsnaturereserve.co.uk/p/half-moon-ground-and-the-historicFri, 02 Jan 2026 02:58:57 GMTAlong the bottom of Half Moon Ground runs the Bridle Path, described in documents dated 1796 as a “Bridle Road and Footpath 15 ft wide.” This historic route connects the reserve and provides a window into centuries of local travel. By the Kissing Gate at the westerly end stands a row of Crack Willow trees. Before they were pollarded, a walk on a windy day revealed why they earned their name—they often “cracked” and shed branches. On the other side of the Kissing Gate, in Greenmeadow, were once twin ponds, now filled in and built upon, reminding us of the landscape changes around the reserve.

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