Zsuzsanna
Coombe Hill Canal and Meadows
Location
Head north out of Gloucester on the A38 towards Tewkesbury. Carry on through Twigworth and then through Norton. Continue on A38 until you reach a cross roads with a set of traffic lights and the Swan Inn pub. Turn left at traffic lights down a dead end single lane track. The car park is at the bottom of the track.
Know before you go
Entry fee
NoGrazing animals
CattleWalking trails
Although level, the path is heavily rutted through use by horses and can be very muddy. There is a 1km walk from the car park along the canal towpath to the entrance to the meadows and hides.
Access
There is a 1km walk from the car park along the canal towpath to the entrance to the meadows and hides. The towpath is level and offers good views but it can become rutted and very muddy after wet weather.
Dogs
Facilities
When to visit
Opening times
Open at all timesBest time to visit
All yearAbout the reserve
It is a very special site for wetland birds, particularly waders and migrating waterfowl, but also watch out for birds of prey, including hen harriers, peregrine falcons and goshawks. Snipe, redshanks, oystercatchers, lapwings and curlews are just a few of the many birds sighted here, and there are spectacular numbers of over-wintering wildfowl during times of high water. One of the best sites in Gloucestershire, Coombe Hill boasts 17 species of dragonflies and damselflies, including the hairy dragonfly, scarce chaser and emperor dragonfly.
The Grundon hide is open, please remember to observe social distancing measures and to keep to one household using the hide at any one time.