Gomm Valley

A small piece of scrub and chalk grassland - home to wildlife - on the urban fringe of High Wycombe.

Location

2 miles east of High Wycombe
Buckinghamshire
HP13 7QZ

OS Map Reference

SU 898 921

what3words: speeds.breath.noises
A static map of Gomm Valley

Know before you go

Size
4 hectares
z

Entry fee

No
P

Parking information

On A40 1.75 miles east of High Wycombe turn left into Gomm Road; park before bridge; take footpath across slope, then lower path at foot of slope through hedge; reserve is 30 m further on right.

Grazing animals

Yes

Access

Steep slope; many roots

Dogs

On a lead

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

March to November

About the reserve

Blooming scrub

This steep slope is all that remains of the chalk grassland in this dry valley on the edge of built-up High Wycombe. Much of the reserve has become grown over with scrub species including dogwood, hawthorn, buckthorn, spindle, guelder-rose and wayfaring-tree. In spring, these produce a spectacular display of blossom. Flocks of birds, particularly from the thrush family, gorge on the berries that follow in autumn and winter.

Flowery fields

Orchids, including bee, pyramidal and common spotted, grow in the grassy areas, while common twayblades flourish in the scrub margins. On the chalk grassland, knapweeds, agrimony and lady's bedstraw can be found. Bluebells grow at the southern end of the reserve where there is some mixed broadleaved woodland. There are small patches of wood anemone. The scarce coralfoot, which produces dainty pink clusters of flowers in late spring, can also be found in some years. Gomm Valley is also good for butterflies such as the marbled white. More than 180 species of moth have been recorded here.  

"I just thought I’d let you know how much I love the Gomm Valley Reserve. It’s my ‘local’, and I visit it most days ... It adds value to our countryside and makes life amazing." - Mandy Allen (BBOWT member)

 

Contact us

Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT)
Contact number: 01442 826774
Contact email: info@bbowt.org.uk

Environmental designation

Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)