River Len Local Nature Reserve

The River Len Local Nature Reserve is a tiny haven for the rare species found here, such as the water vole and soldier beetle, in an unusual setting. Set in the heart of the urban environment, the reserve is a small area of rarely visited land running along the River Len where it passes under the A249, with a public footpath running along beside it.

It was given a boost recently with the planting of 150 native trees and shrubs such as hawthorn, wild privet and blackthorn. Parts of the reserve were cleared, with the dense vegetation that cut off the sunlight from the reed and sedge beds being cut back. A shallow pond was also dug out. River Len Local Nature Reserve can be accessed via a surfaced footpath from Square Hill Road.