The Avenue Washlands

UK Wildlife Trusts

There is a range of walking trails around the reserve including boardwalk. Access to the site is via squeeze stiles which are just wide enough for mobility scooters. About 80% of the reserve, including the two viewing screens, is accessible to wheelchairs. This wetland reserve consists of reedbed, marsh, ponds and grassland in the valley of the River Rother on part of the site of the decommissioned Avenue Coking Works. The habitat was created in 2005 and a good variety of wildlife has been attracted to add to the species that were already well established. The reserve is important for its water voles and great crested newts. In addition, farmland birds such as skylark and yellowhammer are well established here, while wetland birds including lapwing, tufted duck and little grebe breed on the reserve. Wintering water birds include wigeon, teal and snipe, and bittern has been seen on the reserve. As the reedbed and marsh develop it is hoped that reed warbler and sedge warbler will become regular summer visitors. The scrub and tall herb areas of the site attract passerine birds such as grasshopper warbler, linnet and whitethroat.

Managed by

UK Wildlife Trusts

Location

S42 6NG