Haymill Valley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Haymill Valley |
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| Type | Local Nature Reserve |
| Location | Slough, Berkshire |
| OS grid | SU 942 817 |
| Area | 7.8 hectares (19 acres) |
| Managed by | Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust |
Haymill Valley is a special place in Slough, Berkshire. It's a Local Nature Reserve, which means it's protected so that nature can thrive there. This amazing area covers about 7.8 hectares, which is like 19 football fields! Local people often call it The Millie. It's owned by the Slough Borough Council and looked after by the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust.
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Discover Haymill Valley's Natural Beauty
This nature reserve is a mix of old woodlands, big areas of reeds, and peaceful ponds. These ponds are fed by a stream called Two Mill Brook, which flows all the way from Burnham Beeches into the River Thames. At the very end of the reserve, you can find the spot where an old watermill used to stand.
Meet the Millie Kingfishers
In 2008, something really cool was added to Haymill Valley! You can find two large metal sculptures of Kingfishers. These sculptures are 7 feet tall and are known as the Millie Kingfishers. They are a fun landmark to look for when you visit.
A Look at Haymill Valley's History
Haymill Valley was officially made a Local Nature Reserve in 1994. This was done by the Slough Borough Council to make sure this important natural area would be protected for many years to come.
Amazing Animals of Haymill Valley
Haymill Valley is home to many different kinds of animals. It's a great place to spot wildlife!
Mammals You Might See
- Wood mouse: These small, quick mice live in the woodlands.
Cool Insects and Butterflies
- Gonepteryx rhamni (Brimstone butterfly): This butterfly has bright yellow wings.
- Celastrina argiolus (Holly Blue butterfly): A pretty blue butterfly often seen near holly bushes.
- Anthocharis cardamines (Orange-tip butterfly): Look for the orange tips on the wings of the males.
- Pararge aegeria (Speckled Wood butterfly): This butterfly has brown wings with creamy spots.
- White-letter hairstreak: A rare butterfly that loves elm trees.
Birds Flying High
- Eurasian blue tit: A small, colorful bird with blue and yellow feathers.
- Great tit: A common garden bird, a bit bigger than the blue tit.
- European green woodpecker: You might hear its loud "yaffle" call.
- Sylvia atricapilla (Blackcap): A small songbird, the male has a black cap.
- Phylloscopus collybita (Common Chiffchaff): Known for its "chiff-chaff" song.
- Fulica atra (Eurasian Coot): A dark water bird with a white shield on its face.
- Dendrocopos major (Great Spotted Woodpecker): Often seen climbing trees and pecking for food.
- Alcedo atthis (Common Kingfisher): A flash of bright blue and orange as it dives for fish.
- Gallinula chloropus (Common Moorhen): A dark water bird with a red and yellow beak.
- Emberiza schoeniclus (Reed Bunting): A small bird found in reed beds.
- Acrocephalus scirpaceus (Eurasian Reed Warbler): Another bird that lives in the reeds.
- Phylloscopus trochilus (Willow Warbler): A small, greenish-yellow bird with a sweet song.
Plants and Trees of Haymill Valley
The reserve also has a variety of plants and trees that make it a beautiful and important habitat.
Trees You Can Find
- Crataegus (Hawthorn): A common tree with white or pink flowers and red berries.
Beautiful Plants Growing Here
- Caltha palustris (Marsh-marigold): A bright yellow flower that grows in wet areas.
- Hyacinthoides non-scripta (Common Bluebell): These create a carpet of blue in spring.
- Iris pseudacorus (Yellow Iris): A tall plant with striking yellow flowers, often found near water.
