Malmesbury River Valleys Trust - MRVT

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Malmesbury River Valleys Trust - MRVT

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The Trust was formed in 1992 to protect Conygre Mead and other areas of land within the river valleys surrounding Malmesbury.

If you would like to donate to the MRVT then please use our page 'Learn more' button. https://www.mrvt.org.uk/

https://www.mrvt.org.uk/contact/

www.instagram.com/malmesbury.mrvt/

01/11/2026

A big thank you to our amazing volunteers for helping cut back the undergrowth & trim the hedges on Conygre Mead today 🐦‍⬛🌳

25/10/2026

A MRVT committee member spotted a fallen tree on Conygre Mead this morning. Luckily, it was not too big & has been cleared quickly - the top path is accessible again 🌳

www.mrvt.org.uk/donate/

10/10/2026

On Sunday or volunteers conducted a Fungi Safari on Conygre Mead.
This is what they spotted: 🍄🍄‍🟫🪺

1) Birds nest fungus (Crucibulum laeve) - Before & after fruiting body opens to reveal spore capsules.
2) Pleated inkcap (Parasola plicatilis).
3) Ivy parachute (Marasmus epiphyllous) - possibly.
4) Dewdrop Bonnet (Hemimycena turtuosa).

23/09/2026

We know that some members of the public have avoided the Top Path through Conygre Mead because the surface has been slippery & uneven. We have now begun the upgraded of the path & want to encourage you to take another look 🐦🌳

06/09/2026

Thank you to the volunteers today for their hard work clearing the paths & litter bins on Conygre Mead 🥰 🌳 🦋

12/08/2026

🦇

https://bit.ly/4qesfvt

Come and learn about our bats on this guided walk through Conygre Mead Nature Reserve led by bat expert Paul Darby of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. Learn how to use a bat detector and about bats in...

31/07/2026

The Conygre Mead volunteering session for August has been moved to August 9th so as not to clash with the Carnival "Open Gardens" day on Sunday 2nd.

19/07/2026

If you spot a Spear Thistle look out for some silk webbing near the stem & you may spot a caterpillar of the Painted Lady butterfly. 🪻🐛🦋

They use the webbing as a barrier to protect themselves from predators (& also it's is often their latrine 💩)

11/07/2026

A Cuckoo-bee enjoying a Field Scabious on Conygre Mead flower slope🪻🐝

08/07/2026

Dog ownership has risen sharply since the pandemic, and with more people than ever accessing the countryside, the pressure on our rural landscapes is increasing.

As we move into the summer months, Wiltshire Police is raising awareness of responsible dog ownership to help protect livestock, wildlife, and the people who care for these areas.

We continue to receive reports of dogs being allowed off‑lead and subsequently chasing or attacking sheep, or disturbing nesting birds – offences that remain significantly underreported.

We are also aware of incidents where Wiltshire Wildlife Trust volunteers, when challenging walkers about uncontrolled dogs, have been met with aggression.

Wiltshire Police rural crime officer PC Simon Gomm said: “These offences might seem minor to some but they have serious consequences, not just for the animals but the farmers who rely on their livestock for their livelihood.

“Allowing your dog off-lead in these sites can lead to it chasing livestock, disturbing nesting birds, fouling and causing irreparable damage to sensitives landscapes.

“There have been a number of reports of livestock or nesting birds being attacked and left to suffer, rescued by volunteers but sadly later euthanised due to their injuries.

“It is the dog owner’s responsibility to ensure your dog is behaving well and under control in these sensitive sites. Even the most well-trained dogs have predatory instincts that can be triggered.

“We’ve also received reports of Wildlife Trust staff being verbally abused when they have challenged walkers about their dogs, which is completely unacceptable.

“Those that work within these sites should not be victims of abuse for simply asking owners to put their dogs on leads.

“Within Wiltshire, we are fortunate to have extensive and varied landscapes which are a haven for wildlife, and it’s a privilege to be able to use these areas.

“We want everyone to be able to enjoy the countryside while protecting these exceptional habitats we are lucky to have in Wiltshire.”

Leo Henley Lock – Director of Conservation and Land Management for Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, said: “Our nature reserves are among the few remaining places where wildlife can thrive, and these precious spaces are facing increasing pressures. We are delighted to see so many people enjoying them with their dogs, but it is vital that dogs are kept on leads while visiting our reserves.

"Even the most well-behaved dog can unintentionally disturb wildlife, or cause harm to livestock if allowed to roam freely. Keeping dogs on leads is a simple step that helps protect the species and habitats that make these places so special.

"We are proud to support this initiative alongside Wiltshire Police. By keeping dogs on leads, respecting our staff and volunteers, and following guidance on site, visitors can play an important role in helping us safeguard these wild spaces for wildlife and for future generations to enjoy."

Address

Malmesbury

Website

https://www.mrvt.org.uk/donate/

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