Hockley Meadows Nature Reserve

With its flower-rich fen meadow, lowland neutral grassland, reedbed, stream and willow carr, Hockley Meadows provides a diverse mix of habitats for a variety of species. Situated alongside the River Itchen with views across the valley, it’s perfect for a relaxing walk.

Location

Bridge Lane

Winchester

Hampshire

SO21 2BN

OS Map Reference

SU476254

Know before you go

Size

9 hectares

Entry fee

Donations welcome

Parking information

Parking available in a layby on A3090 Hockley Link or in Shawford village.

Bicycle parking

No cycling permitted on footpaths. The nearest bike racks are at Shawford railway station.

Grazing animals

Our sites are grazed all year by livestock. Please follow the signage on site.

Walking trails

The north-south footpath runs between Hockley Golf course and Shawford Bridge - this footpath is narrow and bumpy in places. The west-east footpath runs between Twyford Meads and Hockley Mill - this path is fairly flat and level.

Please keep to paths to avoid disturbing the wildlife.

Access

There are two public rights of way along the perimeter of the meadows. The Navigation footpath runs along the western edge (north of Twyford Meads and Shawford). Access across the meadows passes along the southern boundary from the B3335, Hockley Mill and joining the Navigation footpath. Access only permitted along public rights of way.

Dogs

Under effective control

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

Kingfishers, brown trout and buzzards can be spotted all year round, while spring brings water avens, marsh marigolds, yellow flag irises and chiffchaffs. Summer sees swifts, swallows and house martins swooping over the meadows.

About the reserve

With its flower-rich fen meadow, lowland neutral grassland, reedbed, stream and willow carr, Hockley Meadows provides a diverse mix of habitats for a variety of species.

Situated alongside the River Itchen with views across the valley, it’s perfect for a relaxing walk.

These tranquil water meadows support a range of wildlife including kingfisher and brown trout. Beautiful plants such as southern marsh orchid, water aven and cuckoo flower flourish in the water meadow ditches. Visit in summer to see swift, swallow and house martin swooping over the meadows. Veteran trees offer homes to barn owl, bat and buzzard. Look out for redwing and mistle thrush in the winter months.

Special features:

The meadows are privately owned, purchased by a Trust member in 2015.
The Trust manages the reserve on the land owners behalf, and have sensitively restored the meadows for wildlife, with cattle now grazing the site.