This picturesque site is located near Westmancote on Bredon Hill, and despite being only 8.2 acres (3.3 ha) in extent, it is unusually diverse. Formerly a natural wetland, it was remodelled during 1970s in an unsuccessful attempt to create a trout lake. The site was acquired by the Kemerton Estate in 1982 and developed as a nature reserve. Since 1994, Kemerton Conservation Trust has managed the site under a long lease.
The reserve comprises a small lake, marshland, sedge beds, seasonal wet grassland, willow carr, and mixed coniferous and broadleaf woodland. Six hedgerows converge on the site, acting as important wildlife corridors. Two seasonal streams from Bredon Hill and local land drains provide the water supply. A three-year restoration project to repair a leaking bund and improve water levels was completed in 2012.
Flora and Fauna
The reserve’s diverse flora includes sweet galingale and narrow-leaved bird’s-foot trefoil, both found in the marshland. Pyramidal and bee orchids grow along the woodland edge. The site is home to nationally rare invertebrates, including the club-tailed dragonfly (one of nineteen species of dragonfly and damselfly found on the reserve). The rich insect life attracts a large number of bat species, including barbastelle, which forage over the lake and marshland.
Access Information
Regrettably there is no unsupervised public access to the reserve due to its remote location. KCT conducts guided tours for its members, and for other parties by arrangement.
Beggar Boys is at its best in summer when the marshland is alive with bees and butterflies, and the smell of water mint fills the air. |
