Avery's Pightle

Avery's Pightle

Avery's Pightle by Jim Asher

Avery's Pightle is one of Berkshire's few remaining unspoiled meadows. It is rich in insect life and nesting birds, and 137 species of plants have been recorded here.

Location

3 miles south-west of Newbury
Berkshire
RG20 0JY

OS Map Reference

SU 435 650

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A static map of Avery's Pightle

Know before you go

Size
2 hectares
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Entry fee

No
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Parking information

Park on soft verge on Church Lane, 0.5 miles south of Enbourne

Grazing animals

Yes

Access

Flat overall; uneven underfoot; ground soft after rain; gate

Dogs

Assistance dogs only

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

March to August

About the reserve

Ancient meadow

Avery's Pightle (rhyme it with 'title') is an ancient meadow known for its abundance of wildlife. At one time such wet meadows were common, but now most of them have been drained, ploughed and fertilised for high-yield grasses or grain. Avery's Pightle is one of the few unspoiled meadows left in Berkshire. It shows what has been lost from our meadows in the way of wild flowers, insect life and homes for birds. Pightle is the medieval world for a small enclosed meadow.

Ridge and furrow

Ancient ridge and furrow lines can still be seen here. In summer when flowers clothe the ground, you can see stripes of different shades, because some plants prefer the drier ridges, while others thrive in water-holding furrows. The 137 species of plants recorded here include 16 species confined to ancient grasslands, such as adder's-tongue fern, pepper-saxifrage, betony and sneezewort. There are also orchids, and the area near the stream has a colony of broad-leaved helleborines.

Butterflies and birds

The reserve is also rich in insects and butterflies such as gatekeeper, meadow brown and ringlet. The thick hedges provide many nesting sites for yellowhammers and many lively little warblers.

Things to do

Help us manage this reserve by supporting us.

Contact us

Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT)
Contact number: 01628 829574
Contact email: info@bbowt.org.uk

Environmental designation

Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)