Nature Reserve improvements

How many people know about the Council-owned Nature Reserve adjoining the Jacqui Woolford Memorial Park behind Lindisfarne?

Over the years the area has gradually become overgrown with brambles and, while this provides a good habitat, it is not encouraging a diversity of species. More recently, maintenance has focused mainly on clearing the banks of the pond and keeping it safe, as well as cutting a track from the footpath at the end of Lindisfarne to the Memorial Park.

Rotary has recently set up a new charity specifically to enhance ‘green areas’ in our town for the benefit and enjoyment of the local population. This charity, the Royal Wootton Bassett Community Garden and Nature Reserve Trust recently commissioned a study of the existing area of the nature reserve by Wiltshire Wildlife, and their Wild Landscapes team has drawn up a proposed plan; Wild Landscapes Initial Site Report

The Town Council supports the Trust’s proposals for improvements to the area of the reserve and over the next few months the Trust and the Council’s grounds staff will be working together to implement this plan. The first stage of this entails the clearance of some of the brambles, their subsequent management, and planting new trees and wildflowers. Our joint vision is to greatly increase the variety of wildlife in the area. In due course, looped walkways will allow local residents access to what should become a pleasant habitat where they can quietly enjoy close access to nature. The intention is to maintain this area as a nature reserve for the benefit of townsfolk.

This project will proceed relatively slowly so we minimise disturbance to local residents and existing flora & fauna. In year one, the major task will be to clear some areas of brush and then to manage it carefully to allow other plants to thrive. There will also be some planting of new trees, so the broad outline of the longer term plan for the area will begin to emerge.

If you would like to be involved as a volunteer, either in the initial development or in the long-term maintenance of this Community Nature Reserve, please email

info@rwbNatureReserve.uk