Castle Bottom NNR


Castle Bottom is a British national nature reserve located near Yateley in Hampshire. It is part of Castle Bottom to Yateley and Hawley Commons, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area for the conservation of wild birds

Geography

The nature reserve is situated south-west of Yateley and is on the north-west border of Blackbushe Airport. The reserve is a small lowland site of around, containing two valley mires, with heathland and woodland habitats. Each of the valley mires has an acidic stream running through them.

History

There is evidence that the area was used by humans as far back as 1800 to 550 BC, with discovery of some ancient burial mounds. There is evidence of banks being built in the Western Mire, but it is not possible to date exactly when they were built
The land was owned by the Bramshill estate until 1952, when it was sold. The land was last owned by a manufacturer of quarry equipment before the council purchased the site.
In the early 20th century two cottages were built on the north border of the reserve. Used until the 1960s, they are now ruins.

Fauna

The nature reserve has the following fauna:

Mammals

Invertebrates

Reptiles, amphibians and other vertebrates

The nature reserve has the following flora:

Trees