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Walk the Boards fundraising campaign

Help us to help everyone step into nature

Picture an accessible boardwalk winding through our reedbeds, a solid step-free bridge over a river inlet, and a nature reserve where everyone, regardless of age or ability, can enjoy the outdoors. At Withymead Nature Reserve, this vision is just within reach, but we need your help.

Our boardwalks are an important part of the reserve. They allow our visitors to explore the unique plants and wildlife that call Withymead home. A place where Thames-side boat building once thrived, it is a place for joyful exploration and a sanctuary for all who seek solace in nature.

Yet the last section of our old, narrow boardwalk and bridge makes it difficult for people who use wheelchairs and pushchairs, and those with limited mobility to access the whole reserve. It’s also reached the end of its life. By replacing and improving this vital pathway, we can ensure that every visitor experiences the freedom and joy of being outdoors, without barriers.

We need to raise £115,104 to make it happen. Can you help?

Watch our fundraising video to find out more

Find out more

Enjoy your local nature reserve

Withymead is special: an oasis of riverside wildness; a haven for plants and wildlife; a place where Thames-side boat building once thrived. The 13-acre reserve was established by Anne Carpmael, a keen naturalist who lived at Withymead for nearly 60 years. Anne bequeathed the site as a special place for the community, and to inspire an appreciation of nature especially among young people. It opened in 2004.

Discover Withymead

Help conserve our natural heritage

Withymead is a gem. Which we want to share with you.

We have a volunteer team who help with conservation and events, and new volunteers with general or specialist skills are always welcome.

What unites everyone who visits Withymead is their deep and profound connection with this special place by the Thames.

Volunteer with us

2026 Opening Hours

April opening hours

Fridays 10am – 5pm for special request visits
Sundays 10am – 5pm for our spectacular Loddon lilies
Cream teas 2pm – 5pm last Sunday of April
Citizen science 10am – 12noon first Sunday of April

May – August opening hours

Fridays 10am – 5pm
Sundays 10am – 5pm
Cream teas 2pm – 5pm last Sunday of the month
Citizen science 10am – 12noon first Sunday of the month

PLEASE NOTE: As of April 2026, visitors can access a good proportion of the reedbed area, including the route to the kingfisher hide plus its adjacent new viewing outdoor area, with improved access for all, including for visitors who use wheelchairs and buggies. However, we regret that the remaining section of old wooden boardwalk and bridge is temporarily closed for safety reasons. We are actively fundraising to replace these – see our ‘Buy a Board‘ campaign and video.

Entrance to Withymead is free unless it is for commercial hire. Please consider donating to support our conservation work.

In the winter we close for maintenance. However we can offer visits by prior arrangement with our Wardens subject to availability, contact them here.

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Spotlights and updates

Two colleagues work together to install a bat box. One is at the top of a metal ladder, the other stands on the ground keeping the tension on the rope that is holding the bat hibernacula. It's awkward, tricky work as they position the hibernacula in place.

20th March 2026

News update | Bat Hibernacula installation at Withymead

Andy Cruse shares how the completion of a project to install a network of insulated colony bat boxes at Withymead will help to provide suitable habitation for Noctule bats that are under increasing threat following extensive tree felling across the region due to Ash Dieback.

Read more

30th March 2025

Spotlight | Bring on the Blue Banded Demoiselle

The blue banded demoiselle, or Calopteryx splendens, is a captivating damselfly that graces the banks of slow-flowing streams and rivers across Eurasia. With its striking appearance and fascinating behaviours, this damselfly is one of the first to emerge and can often be seen in April and May.

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The small Cuckoo flower emerges from the damp reed bed. Small and delicate, the height of a human's forearm, the flowers have a very slight pink tinge.

03rd May 2026

Events | 3 May 10am – 1pm Citizen Science Sunday

Help! Our warden has forgotten what species are on the reserve!

Join him at 10.30am to help refresh his – and your – memory on how to use the iRecord app, and go on a guided walk recording what you can find on the reserve.

The reserve is open 10am – 5pm, and we recommend downloading the iRecord App on your smartphone before arriving.

Make the most of your visit by bringing a picnic and refreshments. We have wonderful places to sit, as well as our waterfront deck, tree log seating, and hides for quiet watching and waiting for wildlife to appear.

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