Itchen water-meadows and reedbed a few minutes' walk from Winchester's cathedral, with boardwalks over the wet ground and free access
A few minutes’ walk from the middle of Winchester, the paths of Winnall Moors run out into water-meadows and reedbed on the River Itchen, a clear chalk stream. Boardwalks cross the wettest ground, past pools, wet grassland and grazing cattle, and it is quiet enough for kingfishers and water voles despite the city being so close. The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust looks after the reserve, and the southern part is open free all year round. This is an easy add-on to a cathedral visit, with Winchester Cathedral and Winchester City Mill both a short stroll south and the South Downs Way starting nearby.
