Old River Severn, Upper Lode

Old River Severn at Upper Lode is a protected ecological site covering around 3.7 hectares in Gloucestershire. The area contains a disconnected river meander with open water, mud flats, saltmarsh, and woodland habitats next to Upper Lode Lock.

The construction of Upper Lode Lock in 1858 separated this section from the main River Severn. This isolation created a backwater environment with unique conditions for rare plants.

The place plays a role in British environmental research, hosting monitoring stations for scientific studies of river habitats. Visitors can observe how researchers monitor the rare plant species and their surroundings.

Access is through designated paths with observation points, while protected zones must be kept clear. Staying on these paths is important to avoid disturbing sensitive ecological areas.

Six nationally rare plant species grow here, including mudwort, needle spike rush, and small water pepper. These three species are found nowhere else in Gloucestershire.