Member’s access is limited to the area up to the Riverside Hide. Beyond there, the ride is blocked by a fallen willow. Volunteers and a professional forester will attempt to clear it on Thursday 9th July 2026.
Partial Closure 4th July 2026
Muck-In Morning 9th May 2026
There were fifteen volunteers at the Muck-In Morning today, and we split into two teams. One of the tasks was tidying up moth-trap equipment and raking up dead reeds from the surface of the dragonfly pond. Another was pulling up
Muck-In Morning 13th December 2025
On the Muck-In Morning on 13th December 2025, tasks included strimming by the ride, with others raking and forking the strimmed plant material. We also did some tree guard removal on Pennycroft. Clare Slator provided a delicious lunch, which is
Closure of Access Track 29th November 2025
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
Muck-In Morning 18th October 2025
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.
Muck-In Morning 28th June 2025
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,
Muck-In Morning 26th April 2025
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
Muck-In Morning 8th February 2025
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.
Reserve Fully Reopened from 5th January 2025
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
Reserve Partially Reopened from 2nd January 2025
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