Leam Valley Nature Reserve is a haven for wildlife next to the River Leam. Keep a look out for kingfishers, otters, grass snakes, dragonflies and damselflies as you explore. The reserve also boasts many species of wildflowers, including river marsh-marigold, yellow iris and purple-loosestrife flower.

Sasha Taylor

March 22, 2019

The trail meanders through the site starting at the entrance opposite the far end of Jephson Gardens - follow the wooden markers!

While you're here try spotting the numerous fish in the River Leam where roach, perch and common bream lurk in the depths. A magnificent range of dragonflies and damselflies flit along its banks including banded demoiselle, darters, chasers, hawkers and the emperor dragonfly.

Kingfishers can be spotted here and are known to breed along the river. The elusive grass snake may be seen as it swims amongst arrowhead, yellow water-lilies and flowering-rush. At the edge of the river marsh-marigold, yellow iris and purple-loosestrife flower alongside rushes, sweet-grass and common reed. It is hoped that one day soon, this ideal habitat will welcome the arrival of otter as it gradually re-colonises the county.

The rich marsh is dense with many marsh-loving plants, including cuckoo flower, ragged-robin and even the rare snakes-head fritillary. Over the largest area of grassland, cowslips are charmingly scattered amongst the many species of grasses. An abundance of butterflies are attracted including brimstone, peacock, comma and red admiral, with plenty of browns, whites and skippers.

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Details

Informations

Elevation 110 m

Weather

Today

Saturday 17 January

9°C

5°C

20 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 16.0 km/h

Most visited during

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See hikes here

Take Me There

Location: Royal Leamington Spa, Warwick, Warwickshire, West Midlands Region, England, United Kingdom

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Jephson Gardens

The Aviary Café, Jephson Gardens

Emscote Nature Conservation Area and Riverside Walk

Stoneleigh Meadows and St Mary's Church

All Saints' Church, Leek Wootton

Ryton Pools Country Park

The Sensory Garden

St Nicholas Church, Radford Semele

Weir to the River Leam

Saints Road Bridge No. 47

View of Kenilworth Castle

Rapeseed Fields

Leam Valley Local Nature Reserve

1. Leam Valley loop from Leamington Spa

2. Hiking loop from Sydenham

3. Rapeseed Fields – St Mary's Church, Cubbington loop from Royal Leamington Spa

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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