Harbury Spoilbank

Grizzled skipper Steve Cheshire

Steve Cheshire

Harbury Spoilbank

Grassland filled with wildflowers and butterflies

Location

1km east of Harbury on the B4452 on the left going towards Deppers Bridge
Harbury
Warwickshire
CV47 2TA

OS Map Reference

SP 386 598
A static map of Harbury Spoilbank

Know before you go

Size
7 hectares
P

Parking information

Limited parking - small layby adjoining the reserve

Grazing animals

Grazing livestock but not every year

Walking trails

Steep slopes with steps, areas prone to waterlogging

Access

Paths around the reserve are steep in areas with steps. Contact the Trust for more information.

Dogs

On a lead

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

April - October

About the reserve

The history of this nature reserve dates back to the construction of the Leamington to Oxford railway in the 1840s. The resulting spoil banks of lias clay now host a grassland rich with wildflowers. The banks are dotted with cowslip, early forget-me-not and hairy violet, with wild strawberry, yellow-wort and hoary plantain.  

What might you spot?

Look out for orchids here including twayblade and common spotted-orchid. You may see up to 20 species of butterfly, including some on the wing early in spring such as brimstone, green hairstreak, holly blue and the special grizzled and dingy skippers.

A number of insects scarce in Warwickshire have also been found here at the northerly limit of where they're found in Britain. 

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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.

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Contact us

Karl Curtis
Contact number: 024 7630 2912
Contact email: enquiries@wkwt.org.uk

Environmental designation

Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

Location map