Donington and Albrighton Local Nature Reserve

Location: The site is found in the village of Albrighton off the A41 near the church. The main parking is Rectory Road. Postcode - WV7 3EP. Grid ref SJ 809046

What's available?

• An extensive Path network to allow people to explore the nature reserve. Most sections are suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs
• Fishing opportunities available through the Royal British Legion
• Special pond-dipping area for young people
• Free parking along Rectory Road or at the small parish car park adjacent to the Church on Rectory Road
• Varied countryside events programme includes some events at the site for all the family
• School visits can be catered for at the site

Representing the only significant area of green space in the village of Albrighton, this 5.4 hectare site is a vitally important refuge for wildlife and a valuable breathing space for local people. It lies within the valley of the Humphreston Brook. The Brook is flanked by mature alder trees.

The nature reserve is composed of several different areas. The main part of the site is St. Cuthberts meadow. This is a grassy area perfect for a kick-around or a picnic in summer. St. Cuthberts well is a historic pool surrounded by a path which weaves its way under beautiful old yew trees, a species often associated with pilgrimage.

Donington Pool itself is a valuable area for nesting wildfowl and a pretty lake to try a spot of fishing.

At the far edge of Donington Pool is a willow carr woodland area with stream channels and marshy areas. Due to Health and Safety implications the woodland is not open to the public but an important sanctuary for wildlife.

History of the site
The Humphreston Brook has historically represented the boundary between Donington and Albrighton. In the early 17th century a miller called John Talbot created Donington Pool by putting a dam across the brook at Rectory road. His intention was to provide a constant supply of water to his mill. John Talbot was ordered to pay a fine to Donington but escaped a fine at Albrighton as he had been granted permission for his mill at an earlier date. The original pool John Talbot created was much bigger than it is today but through the process of succession is silting up and turning to marshland and wet woodland.

All Brights and Art
Recently an arts council funded project has taken place at the site. Richard Taylor, an artist was commissioned and held public workshops to allow local people to be involved with the design process. The centrepiece is a floating copper sculpture in the pool with water spraying from the mouths of the fish. Brass rubbings were also use to enhance the historic St. Cuthberts Well and metal and glass sculptures were installed in the meadow to represent wildflowers found on the site.

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