Haydon Batch
Facilities & Features
On Bus Route
Parking (limited, free)
Historic Interest
Footpaths
Dogs Allowed
Viewpoint
History & Habitat
Haydon Batch is an 8 hectare site in the settlement of Haydon, Radstock. The site is a disused colliery spoil heap (known locally as a batch). Since the closure of the colliery in 1973 and subsequent re-working of the spoil in the 1980s, the batch has been used informally as a greenspace and in 2018 Radstock Town Council purchased it with the dual aims of formalising and improving community access and designating it a Local Nature Reserve.
The key habitat on the site is species rich grassland which can support a very high diversity of plants and invertebrates. This grassland supports several UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species, three species of orchid and over 25 species of butterfly including Small Heath and White Letter Hairstreak, making it a very significant pollinator site. There are also some areas of plantation woodland on the slopes of the site planted in the late 1980s.
The site is on the Snails Brook which is a tributary of the Wellow Brook. Due to its former use as a spoil heap much of the brook within the site has been culverted since the C20th to allow the spoil to spread over it.
Future Plans
A masterplan was created for the site in 2021 working with local people and landscape architects.
This project proposes to:
- Improve entrances onto the site
- Improve access paths within the site
- Reduce some areas of scrub to maintain the grassland in good condition
- Implement management to maintain and enhance the biodiversity of the woodland
- Create a management plan for the whole site
- Explore options for a roundhouse type of shelter for activities and some seating areas
- Engage with the local community in habitat management and wildlife monitoring through training and volunteer days
Site Designations
Site of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI)
Regionally Important Geological Site (RIGS)
Location
Kilmersdon Road, Haydon, Radstock BA3 3QR
Main entrance – via Kilmersdon Road, Follow the signs and side road down to the Haydon Que and Sports Club.
Walking Access via footpaths from
- Waterside Valley
- Linden Close, Westfield
- First Avenue, Westfield
- Lincombe Road, Westfield
Access also from First Avenue on the public right of way footpath across farmland.
Footpath from Lincombe Road to Waterside Way, also joins onto Haydon Batch.
Bus stop: Village Hall (by Haydon Que & Social Club)
No bus service on Sundays.
Limited free parking spaces available on site.
On-road parking available on Kilmersdon Road.
No cycle parking available
Audio Trail
Haydon Batch is an 8 hectare site in the settlement of Haydon, Radstock. The site is a disused colliery spoil heap (known locally as a batch). Since the closure of the colliery in 1973 and subsequent re-working of the spoil in the 1980s, the batch has been used informally as a greenspace and in 2018 Radstock Town Council purchased it with the dual aims of formalising and improving community access and designating it a Local Nature Reserve.
In this audio trail, not only will we learn more about this historic location, but we’ll also learn some interesting facts in our series ‘Did you know?’.
Partners & Funders
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