Acton Wildlife Nature Reserve is owned by Acton Parish Council and is maintained by the Volunteer Site Manager, Colin Muddimer, with help from volunteers in the village.
The reserve can be found to the eastern edge of Barrow Hill, just past Tots Gardens and can be accessed via 3 entrances from Barrow Hill and a further entrance from Barn Owl Field. The main gate is accessible to wheelchair users and can be found at ///systems.tilting.advancing
Formerly disused allotment land, the plot was once a mass of blackthorn and brambles. Over the past decade, Colin and the volunteers have lovingly transformed it to create habitats for a wide range of flora and fauna and increase the biodiversity. Although just one acre in size, the reserve provides a haven for many species of birds, mammals and invertebrates. Reptiles such as slow worms and common lizards can regularly be seen in the summer months and the wetland area supports the population of frogs, newts and other amphibians. In recent years, the reserve has been planted with large numbers of native saplings. Bee orchids have been spotted in springtime and an array of fungi can be discovered during the autumn.
Acton Wildlife is enjoyed all year round by everyone, from our youngest toddlers to the oldest members of our community, but we need your help for this to continue. Without maintenance, the reserve will revert to a thorny jungle and be smothered with invasive weeds. We will lose many of the species which we have worked so hard to encourage into our special green space.
All offers of help are welcomed, whether you only have the odd half an hour now and again or can regularly spare a couple of hours. You do not have to commit yourself long-term – anything goes! All equipment is provided. There are tasks available to suit everyone, be it a little gentle pruning or working up a sweat with some of the heavier jobs! All we ask is that you please complete this volunteer form before starting so you are covered by Acton Parish Council’s insurance.
If you can volunteer to help Colin with small jobs around the reserve, please call him on 07772 870052.
Cllr Katie McSweeney is the Council’s Nominated Councillor for the reserve, you can use this online form to send a message to Katie.
Thank you for helping Acton Wildlife so it can be enjoyed by all.
