About the reserve

Ancient meadow

Avery's Pightle (rhyme it with 'title') is an ancient meadow known for its abundance of wildlife. At one time such wet meadows were common, but now most of them have been drained, ploughed and fertilised for high-yield grasses or grain. Avery's Pightle is one of the few unspoiled meadows left in Berkshire. It shows what has been lost from our meadows in the way of wild flowers, insect life and homes for birds. Pightle is the medieval world for a small enclosed meadow.

Ridge and furrow

Ancient ridge and furrow lines can still be seen here. In summer when flowers clothe the ground, you can see stripes of different shades, because some plants prefer the drier ridges, while others thrive in water-holding furrows. The 137 species of plants recorded here include 16 species confined to ancient grasslands, such as adder's-tongue fern, pepper-saxifrage, betony and sneezewort. There are also orchids, and the area near the stream has a colony of broad-leaved helleborines.

Butterflies and birds

The reserve is also rich in insects and butterflies such as gatekeeper, meadow brown and ringlet. The thick hedges provide many nesting sites for yellowhammers and many lively little warblers.

Things to do

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