High Batts Nature Reserve
The access track to High Batts will be closed for maintenance on Saturday 29th November 2025, and work might continue on Sunday 30th November 2025. The Reserve will be open on these dates, and there is pedestrian access for those
There was a good turnout for the Muck-In Morning on Saturday 18th October 2025. Colin Slator gave us instructions in the courtyard by the old barn. We took rakes and forks, and headed up the ride to the dragonfly ponds.
A cheerful posse turned out on Saturday 28th June to bash bracken and pull Himalayan balsam. After a dry Spring, much of the balsam was shorter than normal, but still present. The volunteers spotted some peacock butterfly caterpillars on nettles,
There was a good turnout for the Muck-In Morning on 26th April 2025. One of the tasks was to remove tree guards from saplings which are now big enough that they are no longer susceptible to being killed by browsing
A select band of volunteers joined the Muck-In Morning on 8th February 2025. It was an overcast but dry day. Tasks included repairs to the track leading to the Reserve, and coppicing willow.
After recent flooding, High Batts has fully reopened from Sunday 5th January 2025. As snow melts there is the possibility of further flooding over the next few days, so members are asked to please exercise caution and leave the Reserve
The Reserve has partially reopened from Thursday 2nd January 2025. The Pond Hide and the Riverside Hide are accessible, but beyond that High Batts is still closed as conditions are not safe. We may be able to extend the open
High Batts is closed from 1st January 2025 until further notice due to flooding. We’ll update the website when it reopens.
The Muck-In Morning on 14th December 2024 was well-attended. Part of the party lopped back some of the trees near the main Ride, and stacked brush. The rest of us worked on a little patch of woodland near the track
There was a good turnout of fifteen or so volunteers for the Muck-In morning on Saturday 19th October 2024. One of the tasks was lopping and sawing back willow in an area near the viewing platform at the north end