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A pleasant walk through 4.5 acres of ever-changing flora & fauna
Snakemoor started life as a nature
reserve in 1987 and was designated a Local Nature Reserve in 1999.
Within 4½ acres, you will find several footpaths, a hay meadow, a pond
and a variety of trees. There is an increasing range of flowers starting with an attractive display of
snowdrops in February. Some of the rare flower, the 'snakeshead' fritillary, may be seen in April.
We have over 30 main tree species, and several varieties within many of
these families. Within the Acer family can be found the large Sycamore A, the Field Maple and
others. There are a few Atropurpureum Sycamores near the entrance where the large leaves
are dark green with dark purple beneath. The Oak trees are mainly our native oak, but there
are also others including the Red Oak. There are a few young Black Poplars near the ditch to
the east of the pond. These are an important species locally because they are largely confined
to the Aylesbury Vale within the UK.
It is planned that all trees planted in the future will be native to this area.
In addition the orchard, established in 2000, has nearly 30 different fruit trees,
most being varieties of apple and of types used in earlier days. Examples being Norfolk Beefing,
Peasgood Nonsuch, Bloody Ploughman and Golden Noble.
On the south of the meadow a variety of hedging and trees along the
boundary have been planted since 1992. Among these are guelder rose, field maple and
crab apple.
70 bird species have been observed of which 26 are known to nest on the reserve.
A Kestrel has been nesting in recent years.
There is a pond which holds water for some of the year. The retained dampness
encourages wetland plants and other wildlife such as frogs and dragonflies.
- Entrance - the boundary hedge is being laid in the traditional manner.
- Copse.
- February through to Spring brings an increasing coverage of snowdrops and daffodils.
- Pond.
- Small 'wild' daffodils (Lobularis narcissi).
- Orchard with older type apple and prune trees.
- The lower half of the meadow has been planted with fritillary bulbs. Their white or
purple bell-shape flowers can be seen during April.
- Meadow is cut for hay in August.
- Hay meadow flowers.
- New boundary hedge of wide variety.
- A small 'robinia' tree (false acacia).
- Sycamore avenue and cowslips beyond.
Visit the website at www.haddenham-bucks-pc.gov.uk/Snakemoor. |
