Nature Trails

There are two Nature Trails within the Reserve, for which permits are required. The Yellow Trail passes through woodland and meadowland, but essentially follows the margin of the reservoir. There are several bird hides with one giving excellent views of a specially built sandy bank which soon attracted breeding kingfishers. Beyond a footbridge across the head of the reservoir is Hanging Meadow, traditionally managed and rich in wildflower and insect life as before the invention of modern herbicides. It also contains the Wakehurst Bog Oak.

The Green Trail is a more strenuous walk on typically steep High Wealden slopes which lead to stunning views across the valley. Here, woodland management is by the traditional method of coppicing. Hazel coppicing with oak standards form a matrix of woodland in varying stages of growth which provide a diversity of habitats.

The undergrowth of brambles and hazels provides both dense cover and food for the native hazel dormouse for which Wakehurst is enthusiastically helping English Nature's Species Recovery Programme. There are some 300 dormouse nesting boxes in the Reserve, which are monitored on a monthly basis.

See also: The Birch Trail

There is also a badger hide on this trail and badger-watching is a delight, occasionally organised by prior appointment though the Loder Valley Nature Reserve booking procedure.

Continue the tour

Back up to: Loder Valley Zone

Carry on to: Woodland