Shropshire's Great Outdoors

Walkmill Meadows Nature Reserve

Nature along the river Turn

Walkmill Meadows is a Local Nature Reserve on the banks of the River Tern in the heart of Market Drayton.

There are benches and picnic tables within the site so you can rest and watch the myriad of wildlife present, from the darting blue of the kingfisher flashing along the river to the smaller dragonflies which grace the summer skies. If you are very quiet and very lucky you might even spot an otter!

 

Getting there & parking

The site is situated off Dalelands Estate, Market Drayton. Car Parking is available at the main site entrance off Summerhill Gardens.

Walkmill Meadows is a peaceful Local Nature Reserve in the heart of Market Drayton, along the banks of the River Tern.

Market Drayton bus routes pass nearby.

Accessibility

Paths are surfaced and mostly level, suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
Access for mobility scooters and wheelchairs is via RADAR-key kissing gates (note: not suitable for larger scooters).

Opening times

It’s open every day of the year.

Things to see & do

Stroll by the River

Take a gentle walk along the River Tern and enjoy the tranquillity.

Wildlife Watching

Look out for kingfishers flashing blue along the river, dragonflies dancing in summer skies, and—if you’re lucky—an otter slipping silently through the water.

Picnic and Relax

Benches and picnic tables are dotted around, perfect for a quiet break surrounded by nature.

Along the river bank of River Tern

What's special about...

This six-hectare reserve is a green oasis in Market Drayton, offering a haven for wildlife and a place for people to unwind. Its mix of grassland and riverbank habitats supports birds, insects, and mammals, while a local volunteer group helps manage the site—planting trees, maintaining paths, and even creating a small orchard for visitors to enjoy.

Volunteer

Walkmill Meadows Volunteers, a local community group, carry out occasional workdays on site.

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