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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Elevation 110 m

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Thursday 16 October

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Max wind speed: 5.0 km/h

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

Leam Valley Local Nature Reserve

1. Leam Valley loop from Leamington Spa

2. Hiking loop from Sydenham

3. St Gregory's Church, Offchurch – Rapeseed Fields loop from Royal Leamington Spa

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