This February and March, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust is launching the second Love Your Local Nature Reserve campaign, this time celebrating the Marlborough community and its connection to Bay Meadows Nature Reserve.
The Trust is inviting residents to rediscover the wildlife and natural beauty on their doorstep through a series of community events, while aiming to raise £3,000 to help protect the site’s rare chalk habitats.
Four years ago, the Marlborough community famously came together to help Wiltshire Wildlife Trust secure Bay Meadows for nature and people, for the future. Today, the reserve serves as a vital green corridor between Ogbourne Maizey and Marlborough, providing a sanctuary for kingfishers, brown trout, and one of the county’s few remaining populations of water voles.
Bay Meadows is a story of community action — but that story isn’t over. This campaign invites people to find quiet solace and build a lifelong connection with this special place. Whether it’s a mindful walk beside the River Og or a hands-on volunteering session, there are many ways to support, protect, and of course, fall in love with this local green space.
A Calendar of Connection
Nature reserves can lead visitors away from well-trodden paths and into beautiful, wild surroundings. To encourage Marlborough residents to explore Bay Meadows, the Trust has mapped a new walking route from Marlborough town centre directly to the meadows. A range of events and activities will also help the community learn more about this special place:
Valentine’s Day Guided Walk
Saturday 14 February, 10am
Enjoy a date with nature and explore the rare chalk stream and wildlife of Bay Meadows.
Drop-in Volunteer Day
Saturday 22 February, 10am–2pm
A flexible drop-in session — stay for as long or as little as you like. A chance for everyone to try practical conservation work on the reserve, with no experience necessary.
Wildlife Watch for Families
Saturday 28 February, 10am
A taster session designed to spark a lifetime of wonder in young naturalists. Perfect for ages 5–12.
Birds of Bay Meadows
Sunday 8 March, 10am
A special guided walk led by expert volunteer Paul, discovering the birdlife of the reserve.
While the land has been secured for nature and people for the future, the work to restore and enhance biodiversity is ongoing. Wiltshire Wildlife Trust manages over 40 nature reserves across the county and relies on members and donors to ensure these habitats are carefully managed.
The Trust has set a fundraising target of £3,000 to support conservation and engagement activities, including habitat improvements for water voles and wild brown trout, and the continued delivery of community events.
Becki McKinlay, Director of Engagement and Fundraising for Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, said:
“Bay Meadows was saved by the community four years ago, and now we want to make sure the community feels they belong here. This campaign is about connection — the mindful moments along the River Og, a child’s first glimpse of crystal-clear water, and the shared satisfaction that comes from volunteering together.
While our engagement activities help people fall in love with this landscape, our £3,000 fundraising goal is what keeps that landscape alive with nature. Every donation is an investment in the health of the rare chalk stream and the protection of habitats vital to the future of this reserve — a space that belongs to every resident of Marlborough.”
Residents can find the new walking maps at locations around Marlborough town centre or visit
https://www.wiltshirewildlife.org/blog/lylnr-rediscover-bay-meadows
to donate and book onto events.
