It’s already a very special place, but l was pleased to hear about a brand-new plan for managing Charlcombe Community Nature Reserve over the next five years, which has been published. It sets out an ambitious roadmap to restore habitats, boost biodiversity, and deepen community connection with nature [1].
Nestled in Charlcombe Valley, this 16-acre reserve – once grazed farmland – is becoming a thriving mosaic of grassland, ancient hedgerows, woodland, and wetlands, thanks to the careful management of local volunteers.
Wildlife recorded on the reserve in the last 12 months includes twenty-one species of butterfly, toads and frogs, small mammals such as shrews and a harvest mouse, and two of the three native species of woodpecker.
Set up by a group of nature enthusiasts in 2024, the site is managed in partnership between Bath & North East Somerset (B&NES) Council and the Friends of Charlcombe Community Nature Reserve.
Mike Collins, Chair of the Friends of Charlcombe Community Nature Reserve, said: “This new plan sets out how we want to create a positive future for wildlife on the reserve that is people-powered and collaborative with our neighbouring landowners.
“We can already see the results that active management of the land is having, with the number of indicators of species-rich grassland increasing by a third in just one year. This autumn, we’ve also seen a greater abundance of waxcaps on the grassland, which is an encouraging sign for nature recovery.
“It has been brilliant to see how many local people don’t mind rolling up their sleeves to lend a hand for nature.”
The five-year plan outlines four key priorities:
• Restoring habitats and promoting nature recovery by creating new habitats such as ponds and an orchard, hedgerow planting, and wetland restoration.
• Enhancing public access with improved footpaths, signage, and nature-based wellbeing activities.
• Fostering community stewardship via volunteering, citizen science, and partnerships with local schools, universities, and health organisations.
• Celebrating local heritage by capturing the valley’s rich cultural and ecological history – from Saxon charters to Jane Austen’s walks.
Councillor Sarah Warren, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Bath and North East Somerset, said: “Working with local communities is an important part of delivering action for climate and nature and I’d like say a huge thanks to all the wonderful Friends and volunteers who are transforming the former grazing land on this site into a thriving nature reserve that will enable residents to connect with the local landscape.
“In the context of the ecological emergency, it’s fabulous to be able to ensure the long-term restoration of nature on council land.”
The plan was shaped by public consultation, with residents sharing memories and ideas for the reserve. Suggestions included guided nature walks, foraging sessions, benches, information boards, and habitat improvements such as tree planting, a community orchard and wildflower restoration.
The 2025/26 action plan is already underway, with volunteers spending more than 500 hours this year scything grass, bashing brambles, monitoring reptile mats, and surveying butterflies and birds. Volunteers recently dug out two new ponds on the reserve that will help amphibians and insects such as dragonflies.
Whether you’re a nature lover, a local resident, or just curious, there are plenty of ways to help care for this special place:
• Volunteer on the third Saturday of each month.
• Take part in citizen science projects like adding wildlife sightings to a project page on iNaturalist.
• Join and help organise guided walks, talks, and seasonal events.
• Share your memories or historical knowledge of the valley.
Ecologist Rupert Higgins, who surveyed the reserve in 2024 and 2025, said: “After years of ‘under-management’ it was wonderful to be able to see firsthand the impact of the work of volunteers and B&NES Council over the last year in actively managing the reserve.
“The early results are really encouraging, and these 16 acres are important in the context of sites for nature across Somerset.”
The Friends group has just launched its first-ever fundraising appeal – aiming to raise £500 to help with wildlife monitoring on the reserve. This includes: a tracking kit for hazel dormice, a wildlife trail camera and a pond dipping kit to help monitor our two newly dug out ponds. Donations to the appeal can be made via: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/charlcom
For your further information.
[1] The full land management plan and a one-page version is available on the website via www.charlcombenature.co.uk/resources
About the Reserve – Charlcombe Community Nature Reserve lies within the Cotswold National Landscape and Bath World Heritage Site. It is part of the Charlcombe Valley Site of Nature Conservation Interest and home to over 21 butterfly species, ancient woodland flora, and a nationally significant amphibian population. For more information visit: www.charlcombenature.co.uk
