Slader’s Leigh Local Nature Reserve, Near Winscombe
Sladers Leigh is a beautiful wildflower meadow surrounded by ancient trees. Over 130 different species of plant and 21 species of butterflies have been recorded in this 0.688 hectare site. The site is owned by the Mendip Society.
The meadow is a narrow strip of land, originally part of a much larger Slader’s Leigh which was left when the Cheddar Valley Railway Line was constructed in 1869. Because of its awkward shape the field has never been ploughed or farmed intensively. It is now one of the few remaining pieces of unimproved neutral/acid grassland sites in the vale of Winscombe.
The site lies adjacent to the Cheddar Valley Railway LNR and has a permissive footpath running through it.
Access:
The site is close to Winscombe in North Somerset at OS map reference ST 422562.
You can use the National Trust car park for Kings Wood at the top of Yadley Lane leading to the site. Alternatively, walk up the Cheddar Valley Railway Line from Winscombe, almost to the tunnel, and then find the site on your right.
Rickford
Burrington
BS40 7AH