Upper Welson Marsh

A marshland reserve with a number of nationally rare or local species of plants

Location

Upper Welson Marsh nature reserve
Upper Welson
Eardisley
Herefordshire
HR3 6ND

OS Map Reference

SO 292 515
A static map of Upper Welson Marsh

Know before you go

Size
1 hectare
P

Parking information

There is no parking at this reserve. Park at lay-by on A4111 and follow the public rights of way network to reach the reserve (2km)

Grazing animals

None

Walking trails

The marsh vegetation in this reserve is easily damaged by trampling, and visitors are asked to stick to the marked path through the area. The reserve is reached via a public footpath across two fields owned by the farm at the end of the lane. Please keep to this footpath.

Access

There are no surfaced paths and no wheelchair access at this reserve.

Dogs

No dogs permitted

Dogs are only permitted along the Public Rights of Way and should be kept on a lead.

When to visit

Opening times

Dawn to dusk

Best time to visit

Early spring to late summer

About the reserve

The wet central part of the reserve has probably been a marsh for over 150 years, as the area was known as "the Moors" (i.e. marsh/fen) at the time of the 1844 Tithe map. The main interest of this site lies in the very rich marshland flora which includes a number of nationally rare or local species.

One of the most spectacular plants in early May is the Globe Flower, growing here in quite large drifts at the southern-most limit of its range in Britain. Other notable species include marsh helleborine, fragrant orchid, wild columbine, petty whin, butterwort, greater butterfly orchid, bog pimpernel, lesser twayblade. meadow saffron and cotton grass.

There is a good variety of bird life, both migrant and resident, while the now very local Wood White butterfly can be seen on the wing in early summer. Frogs breed regularly in the small pools within the marsh.

Contact us

Lewis Goldwater

Environmental designation

Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
Upper Welson Marsh site map

Upper Welson Marsh site map

Wildflower meadow of yellow and white flowers with tall hedgerow in background and hills beyond

Davies Meadow Nature Reserve (Paul Lloyd)

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