Withymead Nature Reserve

The area surrounding the cottage was once Saunders Boatyard, which was founded in 1870 by Cornelius Saunders, and moved to the Withymead site in 1882. Anne Carpmael and her first husband, Jock Wise, initially bought the cottage at Withymead as a holiday retreat. Anne added to the size of the site by buying up surrounding land as it became available, resulting in the 22 acres which the trust manages today. Anne lived at Withymead for over 60 years, during which time the site provided habitat for local fauna and flora.

Centred on the cottage originally owned by Anne Carpmael, the site comprises a tree-lined length of riverbank, reed-fen, and woodland area. The site is accessible via maintained paths and boardwalks, and includes three hides from which to unobtrusively and comfortably watch the wildlife. Evidence of Saunders Boatyard can also be seen in the form of two slipways, among other artifacts including tracks and wagon apparatus which was used to launch the boats.