List of local nature reserves in Somerset
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The ceremonial county of Somerset consists of three unitary authorities, Somerset (administered by Somerset Council), North Somerset and Bath and North East Somerset.
Local nature reserves (LNRs) are designated by local authorities under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. The local authority must have a legal control over the site, by owning or leasing it or having an agreement with the owner. LNRs are sites which have a special local interest either biologically or geologically, and local authorities have a duty to care for them. They can apply local bye-laws to manage and protect LNRs.{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/protected-or-designated-areas|title=Protected or designated areas|date=9 April 2013|publisher=Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and Natural England|access-date=29 July 2015}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/create-and-manage-local-nature-reserves|title=Local nature reserves: setting up and management|date=2 October 2014|publisher=Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and Natural England|access-date=29 July 2015}}
There are 40 local nature reserves in Somerset recognised by Natural England. The smallest is Wellington Basins, which covers {{convert|0.53|ha|acre}} of small ponds and surrounding grassland and woodland. This provides a habitat for grey wagtail, dipper and reed bunting. The largest, covering {{convert|129.56|ha|acre}}, is Weston Woods on Worlebury Hill, which includes Worlebury Camp Iron Age hill fort. The woodland provides a habitat for mammals including deer, badgers, foxes and bats. Birds include woodpeckers, buzzards and treecreepers. Several of the sites are Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The list includes sites owned or managed by both Avon Wildlife Trust and Somerset Wildlife Trust.
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Sites
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!scope="col" | Site !scope="col" class="unsortable" | Photograph !scope="col" data-sort-type="number"| Area{{efn|Unless otherwise stated, the area is taken from the Natural England map of each site. (Click on the identify icon (i) in the "Feature Tools" and then click on the site.){{cite web|url=http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_results.asp?N=&C=35&Submit=Search|title=Local Nature Reserves: Search Results for Somerset|publisher=Natural England|access-date=22 August 2015}} }} !scope="col" | Location{{efn|The location is taken from the Natural England details page for the site.}} !scope="col" class="unsortable" | Map{{efn|The maps are on the Natural England database of Local Nature Reserves.}} !scope="col" class="unsortable" | Details{{efn|Details are on the pages on each site in the Natural England database of Local Nature Reserves.}} !scope="col" class="unsortable" | Description |
| scope="row"|Ash Priors Common
|{{convert|20.78|ha|acre}} |Ash Priors |[http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=lnrIndex&query=REF_CODE%3D%271008752%27 Map] |[http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=13 Details] |This reserve covers unimproved neutral grassland, semi-natural deciduous woodland, wet heath, scrub, carr, stream, ponds and hedgerows. The plants to be found at the site include early marsh-orchid and twayblade orchid while the animals include the eurasian harvest mouse, viviparous lizard and tree pipit.{{cite web |url=http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/ash-priors-common |title=Ash Priors Common |access-date=22 November 2008 |publisher=Wild About Britain |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140926111259/http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/ash-priors-common|archive-date=26 September 2014 }} It was the first and is the largest local nature reserve run by Taunton Deane Borough Council.{{cite web |url=http://www.tauntondeane.gov.uk/irj/public/services/directory/location?rid=/wpccontent/Sites/TDBC/Web%20Pages/Services/Locations/Ash%20Common |title=Ash Common |access-date=24 September 2015 |publisher=Taunton Deane Borough Council |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925193635/http://www.tauntondeane.gov.uk/irj/public/services/directory/location?rid=%2Fwpccontent%2FSites%2FTDBC%2FWeb%20Pages%2FServices%2FLocations%2FAsh%20Common |archive-date=25 September 2015 }} |
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| scope="row"|Berrow Dunes
|{{convert|16.7|ha|acre}} |Berrow |[http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=lnrIndex&query=REF_CODE%3D%271008777%27 Map] |[http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=38 Details] |The dunes, west of the village of Berrow, have a golf course, and is a noted site for various unusual plants, including a strong colony of lizard orchids. A {{convert|200|ha}} area, which includes the reserve, was designated in 1952 as a SSSI.{{cite web|title=Berrow Dunes |url=http://www.english-nature.org.uk/citation/citation_photo/1003714.pdf |format=PDF |access-date=16 September 2015 |publisher=Natural England |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061013122006/http://www.english-nature.org.uk/citation/citation_photo/1003714.pdf |archive-date=13 October 2006 }} Berrow Marsh, contained within the dunes between the village and the beach, is a mixture of reedbed and salt marsh.{{cite web|title=Common Standards Monitoring Guidance for Saltmarsh Habitats|url=http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/pdf/csm_coastal_saltmarsh.pdf|publisher=Joint Nature Conservation Committee|access-date=24 September 2015}} Birds found here include many wetland species such as reed and sedge warbler and in winter occasional jack snipe among large numbers of common snipe. |
| scope="row"|Bickenhall Orchard
| {{center| –}} |{{convert|0.6|ha|acre}} |Bickenhall |[http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=lnrIndex&query=REF_CODE%3D%271082966%27 Map] |[http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=897 Details] |Apple trees with mistletoe in a grass orchard with herbs and orchids.{{cite web|title=Bickenhall Orchard|url=http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=897|publisher=Natural England|access-date=23 August 2015}} |
| scope="row"|Bincombe Beeches
|{{convert|5.36|ha|acre}} |Crewkerne |[http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=lnrIndex&query=REF_CODE%3D%271009446%27 Map] |[http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=760 Details] |The site has beech trees up to 200 years old, oaks and hazels. Birds include blackbirds, woodpeckers, goldcrests and jackdaws, and there are small mammals such as badgers and foxes.{{cite web|title=Bincombe Beeches Nature Reserve|url=http://www.crewkernetown.org/TownCouncil/informat/bincombe-beeches-nature-reserve.html|publisher=Crewkerne Council|access-date=23 August 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130917063655/http://crewkernetown.org/TownCouncil/informat/bincombe-beeches-nature-reserve.html|archive-date=17 September 2013}} |
| scope="row"|Bucklands Pool/Backwell Lake
|{{convert|5.52|ha|acre}} |Backwell |[http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=lnrIndex&query=REF_CODE%3D%271008788%27 Map] |[http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=49 Details] |The lake, which is also known as Buckland's Pool is next to the road between Nailsea and Backwell at Buckland's Batch. The lake was built as a balancing pond in the mid-1970s. It has now become a wildlife haven for birds, bats and dragonflies, which are attracted by the open water and surrounding vegetation.{{cite web|title=Backwell Lake, Local Nature Reserve, Backwell|url=http://www.avonlocalnaturereserves.org.uk/reserve.asp?id=21|publisher=Avon Local Nature Reserves|access-date=23 August 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923180850/http://www.avonlocalnaturereserves.org.uk/reserve.asp?id=21|archive-date=23 September 2015}} Bird species include gadwall, shoveler, pochard, tufted duck, grey heron and mute swans.{{cite web|title=Bucklands Pool/Backwell Lake |url=http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?themeid=1008788 |publisher=Natural England |access-date=28 August 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724020639/http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?themeid=1008788 |archive-date=24 July 2011 }} |
| scope="row"|Cadbury Hill/Henley Quarry
|{{convert|20.84|ha|acre}} |Yatton |[http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=lnrIndex&query=REF_CODE%3D%271009638%27 Map] |[http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=1245 Details] |This site comprises ancient semi-natural woodland, scrub and unimproved grassland. Species of interest include marsh tit, noctule bat, slow worm, wood anemone, bluebell, betony, small scabious, rock rose and small leaved lime. On the northern limestone slope grow hundreds of common spotted orchids. The Iron Age hill fort{{cite web|title=Cadbury Hill Local Nature Reserve, Nr Yatton|url=http://www.avonlocalnaturereserves.org.uk/reserve.asp?id=22|publisher=Avon Local Nature Reserves|access-date=23 August 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923180853/http://www.avonlocalnaturereserves.org.uk/reserve.asp?id=22|archive-date=23 September 2015}} has many ant hills, which are visited by green woodpeckers.{{cite web|title=Grassland on Cadbury Hill|url=http://yacwag.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Grassland-on-Cadbury-Hill1.pdf|publisher=Yatton and Congresbury Wildlife Action Group|access-date=4 March 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925131126/http://yacwag.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Grassland-on-Cadbury-Hill1.pdf|archive-date=25 September 2015}} The grassy plateau of the hill fort is owned and managed by Yatton and Congresbury Parish Councils.{{cite web|title=Cadbury Hill|url=http://yacwag.org.uk/category/cadbury-hill/|publisher=Yatton and Congresbury Wildlife Action Group|access-date=24 September 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925144351/http://yacwag.org.uk/category/cadbury-hill/|archive-date=25 September 2015}} |
| scope="row"|Camerton Batch
|{{convert|2.02|ha|acre}} |Camerton |[http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=lnrIndex&query=REF_CODE%3D%271009314%27 Map] |[http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=582 Details] |The spoil heap or batch is a result of coal mining on the Somerset Coalfield in the 19th century. Camerton New Pit survived to be nationalised, eventually closing in 1950. In the centre of the village is Camerton Batch which is now covered with conifer. It is important for geology.{{cite web | url=http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?themeid=1009314 | title=Camerton Batch | publisher=Natural England | access-date=2 January 2011}} |
| scope="row"|Carrs Woodland
|{{convert|21.1|ha|acre}} |Twerton |[http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=lnrIndex&query=REF_CODE%3D%271134163%27 Map] |[http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=1337 Detail] |A woodland area in the valley of Newton Brook.{{cite web|title=Carrs Woodland Local Nature Reserve, Bath |url=http://www.avonlocalnaturereserves.org.uk/reserve.asp?id=10 |publisher=Avon Local Nature Reserves |access-date=23 August 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101119015049/http://www.avonlocalnaturereserves.org.uk/reserve.asp?id=10 |archive-date=19 November 2010 }} Plants include the bath asparagus.{{cite web|title=Carrs Woodland|url=http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=1337|publisher=Natural England|access-date=23 August 2015}} |
| scope="row"|Chard Reservoir
|{{convert|37.05|ha|acre}} |Chard |[http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=lnrIndex&query=REF_CODE%3D%271008834%27 Map] |[http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=95 Detail] |A {{convert|36.97|ha|acre|adj=on}} reservoir which is owned and managed by South Somerset District Council.{{cite web | url=http://www.southsomerset.gov.uk/media/41561/chard_reservoir_leaflet.pdf | title=Chard Reservoir leaflet | publisher=South Somerset Council | access-date=18 November 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613204301/http://www.southsomerset.gov.uk/media/41561/chard_reservoir_leaflet.pdf | archive-date=13 June 2011 | url-status=dead }} It is a recipient of the Green Flag Award. The reservoir was built on the river Isle in 1842 to provide water for the Chard Canal which closed in 1868. The site is used for dog walking, fishing and birdwatching, with a bird hide having been installed.{{cite web|title=Chard reservoir|url=http://www.southsomerset.gov.uk/environment/countryside/country-parks-and-spaces/chard-reservoir/|publisher=South Somerset Council|access-date=1 October 2015}} Birds which are spotted regularly include herons, egrets, kingfishers, cormorants, grebes, gulls, ducks and also a wide range of woodland birds including nuthatch, treecreeper and woodpeckers. Rarities have included ring-necked duck, great white egret, cattle egret and yellow-browed warbler. The water is stocked with carp.{{cite web | url=http://www.keepbritaintidy.org/GreenFlag/GreenFlagAwardSites/SouthWest/Default.aspx?parkID=949|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314053238/http://www.keepbritaintidy.org/GreenFlag/GreenFlagAwardSites/SouthWest/Default.aspx?parkID=949|archive-date=14 March 2012 | title=Chard Reservoir Local Nature Reserve | work=Green Flag Award | publisher=Keep Britain Tidy | access-date=18 November 2010}}{{cite web|url=http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=0&N=chard&ID=95|title=Chard Reservoir|series=Local Nature Reserves|publisher=Natural England|access-date=16 September 2015}} |
| scope="row"|Cheddar Valley Railway Walk
|{{convert|28.6|ha|acre}} |Yatton to Winscombe |[http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=lnrIndex&query=REF_CODE%3D%271009639%27 Map] |[http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=1246 Detail] |Following the route of the Cheddar Valley Line, this linear reserve passes through the Biddle Street SSSI. The site supports birds, bats, amphibians and reptiles.{{cite web|title=Cheddar Valley Railway Local Nature Reserve|url=http://www.avonlocalnaturereserves.org.uk/reserve.asp?id=23|publisher=Avon Local Nature Reserves|access-date=23 August 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923180855/http://www.avonlocalnaturereserves.org.uk/reserve.asp?id=23|archive-date=23 September 2015}} |
| scope="row"|Children's Wood/Riverside
|{{convert|19.53|ha|acre}} |Taunton |[http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=lnrIndex&query=REF_CODE%3D%271082967%27 Map] |[http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=898 Detail] |Alongside the River Tone, this reserve provides a habitat corridor for animals. Birds recorded include the kingfisher and grey wagtail. The site is also important for butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies.{{cite web|title=Children's Wood/Riverside|url=http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=898|publisher=Natural England|access-date=23 August 2015}} |
| scope="row"|Church and Wains Hill (Poets Walk)
|{{convert|8.95|ha|acre}} |Clevedon |[http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=lnrIndex&query=REF_CODE%3D%271008841%27 Map] |[http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=102 Detail] |This reserve includes a hill fort dating from the Iron Age on Wain's Hill and Church Hill. It has calcareous grassland, coastal scrub and woodland.{{cite web|title=Poet's Walk Local Nature Reserve, Clevedon|url=http://www.avonlocalnaturereserves.org.uk/reserve.asp?id=26|publisher=Avon Local Nature Reserves|access-date=23 August 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923180904/http://www.avonlocalnaturereserves.org.uk/reserve.asp?id=26|archive-date=23 September 2015}} |
| scope="row"|Eastfield, Sedgemoor Hill
|{{convert|7.42|ha|acre}} |High Ham |[http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=lnrIndex&query=REF_CODE%3D%271008877%27 Map] |[http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=139 Detail] |Grassland with orchids and butterflies.{{cite web|title=Eastfield, Sedgemoor Hill|url=http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=139|publisher=Natural England|access-date=23 August 2015}} |
| scope="row"|Eastwood and Battery Point
|{{convert|11.68|ha|acre}} |Portishead |[http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=lnrIndex&query=REF_CODE%3D%271008878%27 Map] |[http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=140 Detail] |The Eastwood area is broadleaf woodland on a coastal limestone ridge which leads to Battery Point which had a defensive gun position and Portishead Point Lighthouse is on the promontory.{{cite web|title=Eastwood and Battery Point Local Nature Reserve, Portishead|url=http://www.avonlocalnaturereserves.org.uk/reserve.asp?id=24|publisher=Avon Local Nature Reserves|access-date=23 August 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923180857/http://www.avonlocalnaturereserves.org.uk/reserve.asp?id=24|archive-date=23 September 2015}} There is also geological interest in the fossils, folds and faults found in the area.{{cite web|title=Eastwood and Battery Point|url=http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=140|access-date=23 August 2015|publisher=Natural England}} |
| scope="row"|Felton Common
|{{convert|40.37|ha|acre}} |Winford |[http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=lnrIndex&query=REF_CODE%3D%271009713%27 Map] |[http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=1247 Detail] |Open calcareous grassland with scrub and bracken. There are birds including kestrel, sky lark, song thrush, willow warbler, spotted flycatcher and several species of invertebrates.{{cite web|title=Felton Common|url=http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=1247|publisher=Natural England|access-date=23 August 2015}}{{cite web|title=Felton Common Local Nature Reserve, Felton |url=http://www.avonlocalnaturereserves.org.uk/reserve.asp?id=31 |publisher=Avon Local Nature Reserves |access-date=23 August 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101119015336/http://www.avonlocalnaturereserves.org.uk/reserve.asp?id=31 |archive-date=19 November 2010 }} |
| scope="row"|Folly Farm
|{{convert|98.49|ha|acre}} |Stowey |[http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=lnrIndex&query=REF_CODE%3D%271082969%27 Map] |[http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=985 Detail] |Folly Farm is a traditionally managed visitable farm and nature reserve run by the Avon Wildlife Trust. The farmhouse is 17th century and the surrounding land includes neutral grassland, flowery meadows and woodlands. The {{convert|250|acre}} nature reserve includes the Folly Oak which is over 400 years old.{{cite news|last=Emanuel|first=Louis|title=Wildlife Trust's guide to historic trees in Bristol|url=http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Wildlife-Trust-s-guide-historic-trees-Bristol/story-18287422-detail/story.html|access-date=1 March 2013|newspaper=Bristol Post|date=1 March 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130505134131/http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Wildlife-Trust-s-guide-historic-trees-Bristol/story-18287422-detail/story.html|archive-date=5 May 2013}}{{cite web|title=Great places to see ancient and unusual trees|url=http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/sites/default/files/Great%20places%20to%20see%20ancient%20and%20unusual%20trees.pdf|publisher=Wildlife Trusts|access-date=1 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130526062728/http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/sites/default/files/Great%20places%20to%20see%20ancient%20and%20unusual%20trees.pdf|archive-date=2013-05-26|url-status=dead}} |
| scope="row"|Frieze Hill Community Orchard
|{{convert|1.39|ha|acre}} |Taunton |[http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=lnrIndex&query=REF_CODE%3D%271008780%27 Map] |[http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=1129 Detail] |This site has been converted from allotments to rough grassland and an orchard. The kingston black and yarlington mill varieties of apples are among those grown.{{cite web|title=Frieze Hill Community Orchard|url=http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=1129|publisher=Natural England|access-date=23 August 2015}} |
| scope="row"|Gadds Valley
|{{convert|3.69|ha|acre}} |Cheddon Fitzpaine |[http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=lnrIndex&query=REF_CODE%3D%271475807%27 Map] |[https://web.archive.org/web/20160304072347/http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=1670 Detail] |
| scope="row"|Hurstone Farm Woodlands
|{{convert|9.78|ha|acre}} |Waterrow |[http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=lnrIndex&query=REF_CODE%3D%271082971%27 Map] |[http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=900 Detail] |Woodland on the banks of the River Tone. The woodland, hedgerows and open grassland provide a habitat for dormice, otter and several bat species. Bryophyte species include black spleenwort.{{cite web|title=Hurstone Farm Woodlands|url=http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=900|publisher=Natural England|access-date=23 August 2015}} |
| scope="row"|Kensington Meadows
|{{convert|2.12|ha|acre}} |Bath |[http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=lnrIndex&query=REF_CODE%3D%271082972%27 Map] |[http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=984 Detail] |Mixed woodland and open meadow next to the River Avon.{{cite web|title=Kensington Meadows|url=http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=984|publisher=Natural England|access-date=23 August 2015}} |
| scope="row"|Manor Road Community Woodland
|{{convert|20.93|ha|acre}} |Keynsham |[http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=lnrIndex&query=REF_CODE%3D%271084811%27 Map] |[http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=1336 Detail] |Woodland and grassland that supports a range of bird species.{{cite web|title=Manor Road Community Woodland|url=http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=1336|publisher=Natural England|access-date=23 August 2015}} |
| scope="row"|Middle Hill Common
|{{convert|1.49|ha|acre}} |Weston in Gordano |[http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=lnrIndex&query=REF_CODE%3D%271009712%27 Map] |[http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=1249 Detail] |Grassland and wild flower meadow,{{cite web|title=Middle Hill Common|url=http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=1249|publisher=Natural England|access-date=23 August 2015}} which supports invertebrates and butterflies.{{cite web|title=Middle Hill Common Local Nature Reserve, Weston in Gordano |url=http://www.avonlocalnaturereserves.org.uk/reserve.asp?id=25 |publisher=Avon Local Nature Reserves |access-date=23 August 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110812024429/http://avonlocalnaturereserves.org.uk/reserve.asp?id=25 |archive-date=12 August 2011 }} |
| scope="row"|Moldrums Ground
|{{convert|2.55|ha|acre}} |Penselwood |[http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=lnrIndex&query=REF_CODE%3D%271009445%27 Map] |[http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=1391 Detail] |The site includes a dry woodland surrounding unimproved grassland. Ponds on the site provide a habitat for northern crested newt.{{cite web|title=Moldram's Ground|url=http://penselwood.ning.com/page/moldrams-ground|publisher=Pen Selwood|access-date=25 August 2015}}{{cite web|title=Moldrums Ground|url=http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=0&N=&ID=1391|publisher=Natural England|access-date=16 September 2015}} |
| scope="row"|Netherclay Community Woodland
|{{convert|3.91|ha|acre}} |Bishop's Hull |[http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=lnrIndex&query=REF_CODE%3D%271082974%27 Map] |[http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=901 Detail] |A woodland with oak, ash, black poplar, dogwood and hazel.{{cite web|title=Netherclay Community Woodland|url=http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=901|publisher=Natural England|access-date=25 August 2015}} |
| scope="row"|Norton Hillfort
|{{convert|2.04|ha|acre}} |Norton Fitzwarren |[http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=lnrIndex&query=REF_CODE%3D%271082975%27 Map] |[http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=902 Detail] |The site surrounds the Iron Age hill fort of Norton Camp. It consists of woodland of oak, ash, and sycamore trees with an underlying flora of bluebell, wood anemone and moschatel.{{cite web|title=Norton Hillfort|url=http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=902|publisher=Natural England|access-date=25 August 2015}} |
| scope="row"|Otterhead Lakes
|{{convert|21.53|ha|acre}} |Otterford |[http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=lnrIndex&query=REF_CODE%3D%271009701%27 Map] |[http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=903 Detail] |A pair of reservoirs fed by the River Otter and managed by the Otterhead Estate Trust Company Limited, working with the Somerset Wildlife Trust on behalf of Wessex Water. {{cite web | url=http://www.wessexwater.co.uk/recreation/threecol.aspx?id=542&linkidentifier=id&itemid=542 | title=Otterhead Lakes | publisher=Wessex Water | access-date=19 November 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101031210119/http://www.wessexwater.co.uk/recreation/threecol.aspx?id=542&linkidentifier=id&itemid=542 | archive-date=2010-10-31 | url-status=dead }} The lakes are the centrepiece of the one mile long nature reserve.{{cite web|title=About Otterhead Estate & Lakes|url=http://www.picturesofengland.com/England/Somerset/Churchstanton/Otterhead_Estate_&_Lakes/article/1073|publisher=Pictures of England|access-date=19 November 2010}} It includes dry woodland which has a ground flora including common bluebell, dogs mercury and twayblade. More moist areas are home to marsh penywart, royal fern rhododendron and sycamore. There are dormice, badgers and bats in the woods and bird species include kingfisher, dipper and wagtail.{{cite web | url=http://www.tauntondeane.gov.uk/irj/public/services/directory/location?rid=/wpccontent/Sites/TDBC/Web%20Pages/Services/Locations/Otterhead%20Lakes | title=Otterhead Lakes | publisher=Taunton Deane Borough Council | access-date=19 November 2010 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717204826/http://www.tauntondeane.gov.uk/irj/public/services/directory/location?rid=%2Fwpccontent%2FSites%2FTDBC%2FWeb%20Pages%2FServices%2FLocations%2FOtterhead%20Lakes | archive-date=17 July 2011 }} |
| scope="row"|Screech Owl
|{{convert|11.7|ha|acre}} |Huntworth |[http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=lnrIndex&query=REF_CODE%3D%271009126%27 Map] |[http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=391 Detail] |A wetland area which supports a variety of birds, bats and small mammals.{{cite web|title=Screech Owl|url=http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=391|publisher=Natural England|access-date=25 August 2015}} |
| scope="row"|Silk Mills Park and Ride
|{{convert|7.08|ha|acre}} |Taunton |[http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=lnrIndex&query=REF_CODE%3D%271475828%27 Map] |[http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=1676 Detail] |Landscaping and ponds in three areas next to the River Tone created when the park and ride was created. The woodland and grassland supports aquatic and marginal vegetation.{{cite web|title=Silk Mills Park and Ride|url=http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=1676|publisher=Natural England|access-date=25 August 2015}} There are also a variety of birds, bats, reptiles and invertebrates.{{cite web|title=Silk Mills Park and Ride Local Nature Reserve|url=http://www.tauntondeane.gov.uk/irj/go/km/docs/CouncilDocuments/TDBC/Documents/Heritage%20and%20Landscape/11127%20Silk%20Mills%20Local%20nature%20reserve%20Nov%202010.pdf|publisher=Taunton Deane Borough Council|access-date=25 August 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924113505/http://www.tauntondeane.gov.uk/irj/go/km/docs/CouncilDocuments/TDBC/Documents/Heritage%20and%20Landscape/11127%20Silk%20Mills%20Local%20nature%20reserve%20Nov%202010.pdf|archive-date=24 September 2015}} |
| scope="row"|Silver Street
|{{convert|2.12|ha|acre}} |Midsomer Norton |
| 2.4853|type:landmark_region:GB|name=Silver Street }} {{gbmappingsmall|ST662536 }} |[http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=lnrIndex&query=REF_CODE%3D%271134164%27 Map] |[http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=1335 Detail] |An ancient woodland, next to Midsomer Norton railway station, including ash, beech, field maple, hazel, hawthorn, oak, holly, sycamore and wild cherry.{{cite web|title=Silver Street|url=http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=1335|publisher=Natural England|access-date=25 August 2015}} There is also a pond and some adjacent grassland.{{cite web|title=Silver Street Local Nature Reserve, Midsomer Norton|url=http://www.avonlocalnaturereserves.org.uk/reserve.asp?id=9|publisher=Avon Local Nature Reserves|access-date=25 August 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923180920/http://www.avonlocalnaturereserves.org.uk/reserve.asp?id=9|archive-date=23 September 2015}} |
| scope="row"|Slader's Leigh
|{{convert|0.66|ha|acre}} |Winscombe |[http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=lnrIndex&query=REF_CODE%3D%271134177%27 Map] |[http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=1255 Detail] |A wildflower meadow with plants including devil's-bit scabious, cowslip, betony, common spotted orchid and tormentil which provide a habitat for a range of butterflies.{{cite web|title=Slader's Leigh Local Nature Reserve, Near Winscombe|url=http://www.avonlocalnaturereserves.org.uk/reserve.asp?id=27|publisher=Avon Local Nature Reserves|access-date=25 August 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101119015211/http://www.avonlocalnaturereserves.org.uk/reserve.asp?id=27|archive-date=19 November 2010}} |
| scope="row"|South Taunton Streams (Mill, Galmington, Blackbrook 1&2)
|{{convert|8.24|ha|acre}} |Taunton |[http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=lnrIndex&query=REF_CODE%3D%271082977%27 Map] |[http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=904 Detail] |Four sites providing a range of flora which support water voles, otters, kingfisher, sand martin, dippers and bats.{{cite web|title=South Taunton Streams (Mill, Galmington, Blackbrook 1&2)|url=http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=904|publisher=Natural England|access-date=25 August 2015}} |
| scope="row"|St George's Flower Bank
|{{center| –}} |{{convert|1.48|ha|acre}} |Easton in Gordano |[http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=lnrIndex&query=REF_CODE%3D%271442949%27 Map] |[http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=1567 Detail] |Flower meadow alongside a main road.{{cite web|title=St George's Flower Bank|url=http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=1567|publisher=Natural England|access-date=25 August 2015}}{{cite web|title=Flower Bank|url=http://easton-in-gordano.org.uk/flower-bank/|publisher=Easton-in-Gordano|access-date=25 August 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140712123307/http://easton-in-gordano.org.uk/flower-bank/|archive-date=12 July 2014}} |
| scope="row"|Street Heath
|{{convert|8.18|ha|acre}} |Glastonbury |[http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=lnrIndex&query=REF_CODE%3D%271009175%27 Map] |[http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=440 Detail] |The heath is a biological SSSI.{{cite web|url= http://www.sssi.naturalengland.org.uk/citation/citation_photo/1003617.pdf|title=Street Heath citation|series= Sites of Special Scientific Interest|publisher=Natural England|access-date=26 July 2013}} The nature reserve is managed by Somerset Wildlife Trust, with examples of plant communities that were once common on the Somerset Levels. It possesses a vegetation consisting of wet and dry heath, species-rich bog and carr woodland, with transitions between all these habitats. Rare ferns present include marsh fern and royal fern. Old peat workings and rhynes have a wetland community which includes bulrush, yellow flag iris, cyperus-like sedge and lesser bur-reed. Insects recorded include 33 species of butterflies, 200 moths and 12 grasshoppers and crickets, with several notable rarities. Birds breeding in the carr woodland include the local willow tit. |
| scope="row"|Swains
|{{center| –}} |{{convert|0.67|ha|acre}} |Wellington |[http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=lnrIndex&query=REF_CODE%3D%271082978%27 Map] |[http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=905 Detail] |A meadow with cuckoo flower, meadowsweet, and dove's-foot crane's-bill. There is also a pond which provides a habitat for amphibians including great crested newt, palmate newt and toad.{{cite web|title=Swains Lane|url=http://www.tauntondeane.gov.uk/irj/public/services/directory/location?rid=/wpccontent/Sites/TDBC/Web%20Pages/Services/Locations/Swains%20Lane|publisher=Taunton Deane Borough Council|access-date=25 August 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924113549/http://www.tauntondeane.gov.uk/irj/public/services/directory/location?rid=%2Fwpccontent%2FSites%2FTDBC%2FWeb%20Pages%2FServices%2FLocations%2FSwains%20Lane|archive-date=24 September 2015}} |
| scope="row"|Twerton Roundhill
|{{convert|4.66|ha|acre}} |Twerton |[http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=lnrIndex&query=REF_CODE%3D%271009215%27 Map] |[http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=480 Detail] |Grassland with a range of wildflowers including greater knapweed and agrimony.{{cite web|title=About Roundhill |url=http://friendsofroundhill.org/about-roundhill |publisher=Friends of Roundhill |access-date=26 August 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150815145711/http://friendsofroundhill.org/about-roundhill |archive-date=15 August 2015 }} |
| scope="row"|Uphill Hill
|{{convert|17|ha|acre}}{{efn|name=area|The areas of Uphill Hill and Walborough Common are not given by NE as although there are separate information pages for the sites, the map shows them as a single site with an area of 38 hectares. The areas for these sites are based on the Visit Weston-super-Mare site Uphill Local Nature Reserve,{{cite web|title=Uphill Local Nature Reserve|url=http://www.visit-westonsupermare.com/things-to-do/uphill-nature-reserve-p1541633|publisher=Visit Weston-super-Mare|access-date=21 September 2017}} which states that Uphill has an area of {{convert|17|ha}}, which leaves {{convert|21|ha}} for Walborough.}} |Uphill |[http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=lnrIndex&query=REF_CODE%3D%271009217%27 Map] |[http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=483 Detail] |Open grassland around a disused quarry. There are a range of flowers including cowslip, primrose and green-winged orchid.{{cite web|title=Uphill Hill Local Nature Reserve, Nr Weston super Mare|url=http://www.avonlocalnaturereserves.org.uk/reserve.asp?id=28|publisher=Avon Local Nature Reserves|access-date=26 August 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101119015216/http://www.avonlocalnaturereserves.org.uk/reserve.asp?id=28|archive-date=19 November 2010}} This site is adjacent to Walborough Common and together they cover {{convert|38.14|ha|acre}}, which is partly coterminous with Uphill Cliff SSSI. |
| scope="row"|Walborough Common
|{{convert|21|ha|acre}}{{efn|name=area}} |Uphill |[http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=lnrIndex&query=REF_CODE%3D%271009217%27 Map] |[http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=1248 Detail] |Salt marsh with sea barley, slender hare's-ear and sea clover and limestone grassland with Somerset hair-grass, honewort, green-winged and early purple orchids. These attract redshank, dunlin, shelduck, black-tailed godwit, skylark, linnet, rock and meadow pipit.{{cite web|title=Walborough|url=http://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/reserves/walborough|publisher=Avon Wildlife Trust|access-date=26 August 2015}} This site is adjacent to Uphill Hill and together they cover {{convert|38.14|ha|acre}}, which is partly coterminous with Uphill Cliff SSSI.{{cite web|title=MAGIC map|url=http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=sssiIndex&query=HYPERLINK%3D%271000858%27|publisher=UK Government|access-date=18 September 2015}} |
| scope="row"|Weirfield Riverside
|{{convert|0.88|ha|acre}} |Taunton |[http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=lnrIndex&query=REF_CODE%3D%271082979%27 Map] |[http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=906 Detail] |A linear nature reserve along the bank of the River Tone providing alder and willow woodland, bramble, scrub and rough grassland. The wetter areas which are sometimes flooded include hemlock water dropwort, and yellow flag.{{cite web|title=Weirfield Riverside|url=http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=906|publisher=Natural England|access-date=26 August 2015}} |
| scope="row"|Wellington Basins
|{{convert|0.53|ha|acre}} |Wellington |[http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=lnrIndex&query=REF_CODE%3D%271082980%27 Map] |[http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=907 Detail] |Small ponds and surrounding grassland and woodland which provide a habitat for grey wagtail, dipper and reed bunting.{{cite web|title=Wellington Basins|url=http://www.tauntondeane.gov.uk/irj/public/services/directory/location?rid=/wpccontent/Sites/TDBC/Web%20Pages/Services/Locations/Wellington%20Basins|publisher=Taunton Deane Borough Council|access-date=26 August 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924113551/http://www.tauntondeane.gov.uk/irj/public/services/directory/location?rid=%2Fwpccontent%2FSites%2FTDBC%2FWeb%20Pages%2FServices%2FLocations%2FWellington%20Basins|archive-date=24 September 2015}} |
| scope="row"|Weston Woods
|{{convert|129.56|ha|acre}} |Weston-super-Mare |[http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=lnrIndex&query=REF_CODE%3D%271134180%27 Map] |[http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=35&N=&ID=1251 Detail] |A wooded area on Worlebury Hill which includes Worlebury Camp Iron Age hill fort. The woodland provides a habitat for mammals including deer, badgers, foxes and bats. Birds include woodpeckers, buzzards and treecreepers.{{cite web|title=Weston Woods Local Nature Reserve, Near Weston super Mare |url=http://www.avonlocalnaturereserves.org.uk/reserve.asp?id=30 |publisher=Avon Local Nature Reserves |access-date=26 August 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101119015227/http://www.avonlocalnaturereserves.org.uk/reserve.asp?id=30 |archive-date=19 November 2010 }} |
See also
Notes
{{Commons category|Local Nature Reserves in Somerset}}
{{notelist}}