Description
Winnal Moors Nature Reserve is an area of wet pasture, hay meadows and has the River Itchen flowing through it. NOTE: whilst the reserve has 24 hour opening, during periods/following heavy rain, especially during Winter, the reserve may be closed for long periods. Downstream property in the city is susceptible to flooding, to prevent this, water is held back at the reserve to stop this happening. The reserve can also be closed temporarily for a short time whilst livestock are moved on site. For up to date information go to hiwwt.org.uk. The reserve has a number of different paths and boardwalks, also NOTE the Northern Sections of the reserve is by PERMIT ONLY or by GUIDED WALKS (Press STAR on map).
Depending on season the reserve has Lille Lappedykker, Isfugl, Rørspurv, Rørsanger, Cettisanger, Sivsanger, Vibe, Dobbeltbekkasin, Rødben, Mudderklire, Vandrikse, Gøg, Grønsisken, Lille Gråsisken. Occasional visitors are Rørhøg, Fiskeørn, Mosehornugle and Kohejre.
IMPORTANT BE AWARE, following reports of the discovery of DRUG PARAPHERNALIA on the reserve, please report to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, telephone number is at hiwwt.org.uk, DO NOT TOUCH ANY SUSPECT OBJECTS.
Details
Access
Both the M3 motorway and A34 main road meet at junction 9 of the motorway, traveling Southbound on M3 leave at junction 9 signed Winchester A272, on large roundabout using Left hand lane, take third exit signed Winnal Trading Estate. (*A) at next smaller roundabout take second exit signed City Centre/Industrial Estate. Note this section of road may have heavy traffic. Continue on this road (Easton Lane), road bends to Right and passes entrance to reserve. The car park is next Right signed Durngate. On M3 motorway Northbound exit at junction 9 signed The Midlands/Newbury A34, on motorway slip road follow signs to Winnal Industrial Estate, get in Left hand lane, on large junction 9 roundabout take first exit signed Winnal Industrial Estate and follow from (*A) above. If traveling Southbound on A34, at large junction 9 roundabout follow signs to Winnal Industrial Estate and follow from first (*A) above.
Terrain and Habitat
Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , River , Reedbeds , City/village , Agriculture , Lake , WetlandConditions
Flat , Wet , Slippery , High water possible , Open landscapeCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Winter , Spring migration , Spring , Autumn , Autumn migrationRoute
Paved road , Wide path , Unpaved road , Narrow trailDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , CarBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
The circular walking route indicated on the map is about 2 km long.

