Coombe Hill Canal and Meadows

Coombe Hill Canal and Meadows is a place of vistas and endless skies, of floods and farming, an ancient landscape fringing the River Severn. Equally appealing on a frost-bitten winter morning and on a glorious summer day, Coombe Hill is an ideal place to revel in the peaceful serenity of the countryside. Bring binoculars to bird watch, or simple enjoy the wildlife and scenery.

Location

Midway between Gloucester and Tewkesbury off the A38

Coombe Hill

Know before you go

Size

105 hectares

Entry fee

Grazing animals

Cattle

Walking 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

On a lead

Facilities

Bird hides

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

All year

About 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.