Deadwater Valley

Deadwater Valley is a Local Nature Reserve beside the River Deadwater in Whitehill, Hampshire. The 35.9-hectare site is owned by East Hampshire District Council and run by the Deadwater Valley Trust. Part of the reserve is a Scheduled Monument, recognised for its historic earthworks. The landscape includes a pond, a meadow, wet and dry heath, alder carr and mixed woodland. Coniferous and broadleaved trees grow side by side across the reserve. The Civil War earthworks in the south are a Scheduled Monument. These earthworks date from the 17th century and mark where armies once camped. The reserve’s varied habitats support many kinds of wildlife. Visitors can walk along paths that cross meadows and skirt the pond. The River Deadwater forms the western boundary of the site. Paths lead through alder carr and woodland to the earthworks. The meadows are bright with wildflowers in summer. The pond attracts dragonflies and water birds. From the higher ground there are views over the valley. The mix of habitats makes the reserve a quiet place for nature.