Grove Hill

Grove Hill. Alexis Evans

Alexis Evans

A rural wildlife haven

Location

2.5 miles south-east of Alcester on the road between Exhall and Ardens Grafton
Ardens Grafton
Warwickshire
B49 6DU

OS Map Reference

SP 112 547
A static map of Grove Hill

Know before you go

Size
13 hectares
P

Parking information

Limited parking available opposite reserve entrance, do not park in gateway

Grazing animals

Sheep

Access

Very steep slopes in parts, soft in patches

Dogs

Dogs permitted

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

All year round

About the reserve

One of the largest arenas of semi-natural limestone grassland in the county, this rural reserve forms a checkerboard of habitats with large areas of grass, scrub, woodland and ponds. Lying on a steep scarp slope Grove Hill is abundant with wild privet, dogwood and buckthorn, with dog-rose and traveller’s joy scrambling throughout.  

Its heavy calcareous Jurassic and Triassic clays give rise to sticky soils, which yield a vast medley of flowers including cowslip, wild strawberry and common gromwell. Smaller plants include hairy violet, fairy flax and longstalked crane’s-bill. Beautiful common spotted-orchid, pyramidal and bee orchids flower here too. Insects flourish, particularly butterflies including grizzled skipper, brown argus, marbled white, small copper and the striking brimstone. Nationally scarce bees, flies and beetles have been recorded, along with the notable ruddy carpet moth.

One of the two ponds, excavated in 1996, sits towards the north end of the rough grassland and supports emperor and southern hawker dragonflies and the dazzling azure and common blue damselflies. Birds are equally diverse with woodpeckers, buzzard, sparrowhawk, tawny owl and woodcock. Summer visitors include turtle dove and many species of migrant warbler. Muntjac and roe deer are often seen foraging here if you tread quietly.

Love wildlife? Become a member and make a difference on your doorstep

As a member, your subscription will help look after local wildlife and our amazing nature reserves across Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull. You'll receive a range of benefits, including free entry to over 65 local nature reserves, with member only free car parks where available, and our Wild Warwickshire magazine three times a year.

Become a member

Contact us

Karl Curtis
Contact number: 02476 302912
Contact email: enquiries@wkwt.org.uk

Location map