Tewkesbury Nature Reserve is a green space on the edge of Tewkesbury for all ages and abilities to enjoy.
Our unique location, close to the historic centre of Tewkesbury is only a mile from junction 9 the M5 motorway. The reserve offers a valuable recreational area to the town and brings wildlife to Tewkesbury. The reserve is also a popular destination for tourists visiting from further afield.
The River Swilgate flows into the reserve from the south, and the Tirle Brook from the northeast. These two water courses converge within the site, and flow out northwest towards Tewkesbury Abbey, and the River Avon. The reserve lies on a floodplain, and is subject to regular flooding. It is located between the A38 Tewkesbury Bypass, residential, and commercial areas.
Since 2012, we have been passionate about encouraging everyone in our community to enjoy the 44 hectares of land and water that make up Tewkesbury Nature Reserve (TNR). We believe it is important to spread the message that 40% of all species rely on wetlands for water, food or habitat. For humans, the benefits of spending time experiencing the sights and sounds of nature can help with recovery from illness. Time spent in nature is also a great tool for well-being to help reduce stress and anxiety.
TNR is home to a plethora of important wildlife, from herons to otters to dragonflies. Head to our gallery page and Wildlife Wednesday page to have a look at the wildlife we have spotted on the reserve. If you would like to see the beautiful reserve and experience the nature for yourself, head to our ‘Visit Us’ page.
Drone Footage of Tewkesbury Nature Reserve
A Brief History of Tewkesbury Nature Reserve
We asked one of the TNR founders and current Trustee, Dave Witts, to explain how the idea of a Tewkesbury nature reserve came about and its subsequent development. Continue reading to find out more.
The idea was first suggested at a Severn and Avon Flood Group meeting in September 2008 the idea was taken up by PPNP’s Becky Jeale because the flood group had an enormous job to do on flooding.
Tewkesbury Borough Council owns part of the reserve and TNR owns the other.
Yes £243,000 was awarded by the Gloucestershire Environment Trust, £40,000 from the Leader Fund, £5500 from Severn Trent Water and some 106 money through TBC land transfer.
Yes; Natural England, Tewkesbury Borough Council, Environment Agency, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, UWE Bristol, The Wildlife Trusts, Severn Vale Housing and Gloucestershire County Council, to name a few.
Two things really stand out in my mind: Getting all the legalities sorted and settled which took some years and then major funding to get capital works done.
Yes I think it is because the structure we put in place cut out all the drawn-out discussions you would get from various public organisations.
We need your help!
If you would like to support the efforts for conservation and community well-being at Tewkesbury Nature Reserve, please consider donating using the donate button below.
