This short walk on the edge of Worcester is full of wildlife and historical interest. In wildlife terms, the most important feature of the walk is the River Severn, which forms an immensely valuable green corridor through the city.

The most noticeable wildlife to take advantage of the Severn is the large group of swans which can usually be seen near South Quay. Otters are present on the Severn at Worcester once again, having recolonised from the west via tributaries such as the Teme, but you would be lucky to see one as they are very elusive.

Adjacent to the Severn just to the south of the school playing fields is an area known as Chapter Meadows which is open to the public. The meadows are managed both for wildlife and for the benefit of local people.

Since Roman times Chapter Meadows have been cut for hay in July then grazed by cattle for the rest of the summer and autumn. This management regime has allowed wildlife to thrive and the meadows form an important part of the Severn corridor.

Information panels at the various entrances to the meadows show you which species of birds you might see. Those which are resident all year include blue tit, long-tailed tit and greenfinch, as well as raptors such as kestrel, little owl and tawny owl. Kingfishers are sometimes seen along the ditch system which is one of the most ecologically valuable parts of the meadows.

South of Diglis, the towpath leads through more meadows to 15th-century Powick Bridge which was the site of the first skirmish of the Civil War on September 23, 1642. The brief but fierce engagement resulted in victory for the Royalists under Prince Rupert and the death of over 50 Roundheads, some of whom drowned in the Teme. Oddly enough, the bridge was also involved in the last battle of the Civil War, the Battle of Worcester on September 3 1651.

Ordnance Survey maps mark the site of the battle in the fields to the north of the Severn-Teme confluence. At the start of the battle, however, the troops were quite widely dispersed. Charles II was based at the Commandery and most of his troops were drawn up to the east of Worcester and on the west bank to the north of the Severn-Teme confluence.

The main battle site is now farmed by the Bennett family of Manor Farm, and the walk provides the opportunity to visit Bennetts Farm Park. There's lots to occupy children here, while older visitors will find plenty of interest too, such as the remains of 12th-century St Cuthbert's Church, 16th-century farm buildings and a collection of vintage farm machinery.

Directions:

Start: Worcester Bridge.

Length: 4.5 miles/7.2km.

Maps: OS Landranger 150, OS Explorer 204.

Terrain: gentle throughout; mainly riverside towpath and meadows.

Stiles: 8.

Refreshments: Bennetts Farm Park (tea room, shop and ice cream parlour).