Local Nature Reserves

The Bottoms

The Bottoms was declared as a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) in 2005 because of its importance for people and wildlife. The River Meden flows through the LNR, forming part of the wildlife corridor that joins Meden Vale to neighbouring green spaces Habitats found at the Bottoms include wet grasslands, wet woodlands and river.

The river meanders through the length of this reserve and is flanked on either side by low-lying wetlands.

The area regularly floods during the winter months and provides excellent habitat for amphibians and reptiles including Newts and Grass Snakes. Birds recorded on the site include Little Grebe, Grey Heron, Teal, Water Rail, Kingfisher, Marsh and Willow Tit, as well as a number of over wintering waders such as Woodcock, Snipe and Jack Snipe.

Mammals in the area include Badger, Fox and the occasional Mink; even with this predator present the river holds a small population of Water Voles.

There have not been many recorded sightings of bats in the area but Daubenton's are regularly seen downstream of the Local nature reserve. It is also possible that otters have started using the site.

Further information

The site can be accessed via several points along Netherfield Lane in Meden Vale and there are three car parks.

Species of interest

  • Newts
  • Grass snakes
  • Little Grebe
  • Grey Heron
  • Teal
  • Kingfisher
  • Snipe
  • Badger
  • Fox
  • Mink
  • Water Voles
  • Daubenton