Goosard Batch Nature Reserve is a small reserve of about 1.3 ha in size about 1 km north of the centre of Paulton and about 3 km north of Midsomer Norton, off the Bristol Road between the Wessex Water Recycling Centre (Sewage Treatment Works) and Paulton Basin. It is owned by Wessex Water Services Ltd and is managed jointly by Cam Valley Wildlife Group (CVWG) and Wessex Water by agreement, with Wessex Water taking responsibility for those jobs that are outside the scope of the wildlife group volunteers, such as taking down trees where necessary, signage and fence maintenance. CVWG has been managing the reserve on Wessex Water’s behalf since 1995.
The batch was originally the spoil heap for two collieries, known locally as Goosard Pit and Paulton Engine Collieries, with most of the material coming from the latter. Paulton Engine Colliery, to the east of the batch, was one of the earliest pits in the area and closed in 1869. The Sewage Treatment Works was constructed on the Goosard Pit site soon after the Second World War and the central area of the colliery batch was removed later to cover the Clutton Rural District Rubbish Tip nearby, giving the batch a flattened central area and leaving an exposed ‘cliff’ area. The entire site is designated as RIGS (Regionally Important Geological and Geomorphological Site) due to its connection with William Smith, who produced the first Geological map in the world in 1815 and lived and worked locally.
Goosard’s wildlife and habitats
The mix of calcareous and acidic soils and varied substrates promote the diversity of habitats and wildlife in the reserve. These habitats include woodland, rough grassland, thorny scrub, a grassy glade, tall and short herby areas, exposed cliff face, and bramble patches with edge habitats along the margins of paths, including the path that runs alongside the Water Recycling Centre.
The steep north side of the batch, which slopes down to the river, is densely wooded, with some quite mature trees. There are areas of impenetrable scrub, valuable to nesting birds and important feeding sites for wintering thrushes.
Over 70 bird species have been recorded around the reserve, along with 21 species of butterfly, more than 80 other insects and a few other creatures including grass snake. More than 160 different vascular plant species have been recorded, together with 39 bryophyte species so far.
Work Days
Regular monthly work days are held along with extra impromptu work parties as the workload requires. The management work concentrates on maintaining the diverse areas in suitable condition for the variety of species which favour each one, and keeping paths within and around the reserve clear for the benefit of visitors. In winter certain areas are clear cut on rotation to provide a greater variety of habitats as regrowth progresses, and shrubs and small trees in key places are cut back to allow in more light.
Anyone wishing to help manage this delightful reserve please contact Jim Crouch on 01761 410731 or by email at jim.crouch@macegroup.com.
Cam Valley Wildlife Group 