About the reserve

Sitting within the floodplains of the Severn Vale, Ashleworth Ham serves as an active floodplain in the winter months. While this feature is important in capturing water, it is also why this nature reserve is so popular with a diverse array of wildfowl.

Diving species such as pintail and shovelers can be spotted here, while Bewick’s swans and white-fronted geese are regular visitors. There are also breeding populations of lapwing, snipe and redshank, along with yellow wagtails, reed bunting, and many warbler species.

Ashleworth Ham is also an important feeding ground for migrant birds including snipe, green sandpiper, ruff, and more. Up to 4,000 fieldfare have been seen congregating here in the winter months, while birds of prey are attracted by the smaller birds. This reserve is also an important place for brown hare, water shrew and harvest mice.

History

Ashleworth Ham is classified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a remnant of what was once a much larger wetland landscape, which would have included reserves like Coombe Hill and Chaceley Meadow.

Before the flood bund was built alongside the River Severn, the drainage channels were dug to improve drainage and aid agricultural production, and the River Severn would have been more connected to the floodplain. This would have provided a mosaic of wetland habitats over a larger area, supporting a highly productive marsh supporting an abundance of wildlife. Following the enclosure act, the parcelling up of smaller fields led to the management of wet grasslands for hay which in turn led to a diverse species rich grassland which provided a niche habitat for species like lowland curlew.