Haymill Valley

Haymill Valley

John Ashford

Haymill Valley

A peaceful wildlife haven in an urban and built-up area, with reedbeds and woodland that all local people can enjoy.

Location

Whittaker Road and Marescroft Road
Slough
Berkshire
SL2 2NN

OS Map Reference

SU 942 820

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A static map of Haymill Valley

Know before you go

Size
8 hectares
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Entry fee

No
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Parking information

Heading north from Burnham station, after 200 m turn left at Burnham Lane; after 450 m take right fork into Haymill Road; after 450 m turn right at roundabout into Whittaker Road; reserve 450 m on right; There is street parking in Littlebrook Avenue

Grazing animals

No

Access

Flat; bumpy, soft after rain; kissing gates

Dogs

On a lead

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

March to August

About the reserve

Transformation

In 2006, a band of BBOWT volunteers began transforming this community nature reserve situated in the heart of urban Slough. Through hard work and dedication, including clearing paths, repairing fences and digging ponds, the Friends of Haymill Valley have created a peaceful wildlife haven with reedbeds and woodland for local people to enjoy.

Colours in the reeds

Yellow iris and marsh-marigold provide a splash of colour in the reeds. The cover of the reeds suits reed warblers which nest there. Brightly coloured kingfishers may be seen flying along the stream.

Birds and butterflies

In spring, the mixed woodland is carpeted with bluebells. Great spotted woodpeckers nest in the trees. Chiffchaffs and willow warblers are among the summer visitors. A variety of butterflies including orange-tip, brimstone and speckled wood can be seen flying along the woodland edge. Small mammals such as the wood mouse make use of the dense cover.  

"We're all helping to create a nice place where people can walk and enjoy wildlife in what is a very urban and built-up area. It's a real pleasure to work here." BBOWT volunteer

Things to do

We run a regular work party on the reserve. Watch out for family discovery days throughout the year. Sign up to the Schools Wildlife Watch Scheme and utilise Haymill Valley for your eco-club or for outdoor curriculum sessions.

Contact us

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

Volunteer with us

Our volunteers help us in so many ways - by working on nature reserves, helping at visitor centres, leading walks, training others and much, much more. Without our volunteers we would not be able to carry out much of our work.

For more information about volunteering for BBOWT, please get in touch with volunteering@bbowt.org.uk