England · five wildlife sites

Nature reserves & wildlife sites in Wiltshire

Explore these places for wildlife in Wiltshire. Seasonal notes suggest when to look; sightings are not guaranteed.

01 / 05

Langford Lakes

Near Steeple Langford, near Salisbury

Habitat: Freshwater lakes, shallow wetland scrapes and riverside habitat along the River Wylye.
Wildlife to look for: Kingfisher, water rail (elusive), gadwall, lapwing.

02 / 05

Near Oaksey, near Cricklade

Habitat: Lakes, brooks and wetland pools linked by woodland, hedgerows and traditional hay meadows.
Wildlife to look for: Otter (elusive), water vole (elusive), great crested grebe, goosander (winter), downy emerald dragonfly (late spring–early summer).

03 / 05

Near Cricklade

Habitat: Extensive hay meadows and grazing pasture on a former military airfield.
Wildlife to look for: Brown hare, roe deer, skylark (especially spring–summer), barn owl, grass snake (warmer months).

04 / 05

Near Coombe Bissett, near Salisbury

Habitat: Flower-rich chalk grassland covering the slopes of a steep-sided downland valley.
Wildlife to look for: Adonis blue butterfly (late spring and late summer), chalkhill blue butterfly (summer), marbled white butterfly (summer), skylark, yellowhammer.

05 / 05

Near Heddington, near Calne

Habitat: Species-rich chalk grassland with sheltered slopes and the banks of the ancient Wansdyke.
Wildlife to look for: Duke of Burgundy butterfly (May–June), marsh fritillary butterfly (late spring–early summer), Adonis blue butterfly (late spring and late summer), chalkhill blue butterfly (summer), skylark.