Stowey Nature Reserve

Two rare fields.
Stowey Nature Reserve is an important local example of coastal floodplain grazing marsh. There are two low-lying fields which are damp in winter. No fertilisers or weedkillers have been used on them so they still support wetland plants like marsh marigolds and over-wintering birds like snipe and meadow pipit. On the ditch edges yellow and purple loosestrifes provide late summer colour. Yellow loosestrife is a rare plant locally.
Trees and shrubs
Some of the field corners have been planted with wetland trees like willow, alder and poplar. A hedge of mixed native species was planted in the late 1980s and now provides an excellent resource for wildlife and for educational purposes.

 

How we funded the purchase.
Funding to enable YACWAG to buy the fields came from YANSEC, Yatton Parish Council, Yeo Valley Lions and Bob Martin Limited. Wards Solicitors donated professional services. YACWAG also raised £7,500 from its own funds, including over £2,000 from an appeal to members.

How will we manage it?
The fields will be cut for hay once a year. This helps to keep the nutrient level of the grassland low, which favours wild flowers. Wide margins will enable butterflies, grasshoppers and other insects to survive, as well as small mammals like the short-tailed field vole. Roe deer, hares, badgers, foxes and bats regularly visit the fields.

Future ideas.
Bird, owl and bat boxes have been put up. More trees will be planted, including some oaks, and other projects could include making an artificial otterholt and trying to improve the wetness of the land. Access The closeness of the nature reserve to Yatton's two primary schools will encourage its educational use by the children of Yatton for field studies.

Access to the fields is by appointment only.