About the reserve

Visiting Long Deans in spring is like taking the first deep breath after a long winter. The open space in this valley invites you to meander and take in the scent of a new season. Early butterflies, such as orange-tip and brimstone and bees such as white-tailed queen bumblebees can be seen swirling around the wildflowers. Lift your gaze up and you might spot magnificent raptors, such as buzzards and red kites wheeling on the thermals created by the early warmth of the spring sunshine. The flower-rich grassland is scattered with impressive veteran trees which provide a home for fungi, invertebrates, birds and bats. 

Wildlife to spot
Discover birds of prey, including kestrels, buzzards and red kites all year round, butterflies in spring and summer and beautiful orchids, such as the mimicking bee orchid and pyramidal orchid in summer. In winter, you might find visiting redwings feasting on berry-laden trees. 

Directions

Site entrance:There are three entrances via kissing gates; two from Bunkers Lane and another from a footpath.

Access by road: From A4251 take Nash Mills Lane (turns into Red Lion
Lane) and then turn left into Lower Road. Turn right into Bunkers Lane and reserve is on the right with Bunkers Park to the left.

Access by public transport
Bus: 318, 501 – Belswains Lane, opposite Mill Close ( 0.4 miles) walk to reserve.
Rail: Apsley Rail Station (1 mile).