About the reserve

The reserve consists of four large blow wells with associated habitats, which include damp woodland, meadow and old water-cress beds that have been colonised by marsh vegetation and reedbeds. The blow wells are the result of artesian springs where water under pressure escapes from the chalk through structural weaknesses in the overlying boulder clay to reach the surface. The wells are reed-fringed and have prolific growths of starwort and Canadian pondweed.

The area was used as a water-cress farm from 1948 to 1961 and the remains of concrete channels and pathways, which served four water-cress beds, may still be seen. These beds are now dominated by reeds and great willowherb, and one in the south-west is regularly cut and raked in late summer to maintain its flora. The grassland areas provide a fine display of cowslips in spring and are mown for hay in July by a local farmer.

As a result of habitat management over the last few years, water levels have risen on site. All paths can be wet, muddy and slippery, and sometimes flooded. Cross site paths have had to be closed and the perimeter path is passable but with caution in several places.

Location information

Parking is available in the village in the vicinity of the church as the road narrows and parking is difficult. Entry is by public footpath from Church Lane approximately 300 metres east of the church. The public footpath sign is quite hard to see being at the end of a section of large hedge and trees, it is opposite Barn Owl House/Primrose Lane junction. Follow the path through a meadow to a footbridge over Tetney Drain. Cross this bridge and a second footbridge onto the reserve. Circular waymarked route around the reserve, can be boggy and muddy at times. Not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility issues.

Tetney Blow Wells location and trail