Stockton Cutting & Tasker's Meadow

Children exploring Taskers Meadow Vicky Page

Vicky Page

Parts of Stockton Cutting nature reserve are now under the management of Warwickshire County Council’s (WCC) Country Parks service.  A part of this nature reserve is still managed by Warwickshire Wildlife Trust.  Enquiries about Stockton Cutting nature reserve should now initially go to: parks@warwickshire.gov.uk

6 nationally rare farmland butterflies
5 species of orchid
97 % of the UK’s meadows lost over 75 years
A peaceful spot to enjoy a meadow of wildflowers and old railway cutting

Location

1km north of Stockton
What3Words: delays.powering.shudders
Stockton
Warwickshire
CV23 8HQ

OS Map Reference

SP 43841 65184
A static map of Stockton Cutting & Tasker's Meadow

Know before you go

Size
6 hectares
P

Parking information

There is some parking off Calias Lane off the A426, on the opposite side of the road to the main gate.

Grazing animals

Grazing animals at certain times of the year.

Walking trails

Generally flat but with some steep, sloped areas with steps, muddy in winter. Stile at entrance

Access

The reserve is generally flat and accessible for most. Some areas become steep and in poor conditions can be difficult to walk. Please contact the Trust for more information.

Dogs

Under effective control

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

April to August

About the reserve

Parts of Stockton Cutting nature reserve have moved back under the management of Warwickshire County Council’s (WCC) Country Parks service, after over 40 years of successful Warwickshire Wildlife Trust custodianship.

Warwickshire Wildlife Trust (WWT) have carried out habitat and estate management at Stockton Cutting, alongside Ufton Fields nature reserve, on behalf of Warwickshire County Council under an agreement since 1980. Both agreements expired in early 2023 and both parties are pleased to announce that WCC are now in an excellent position to take back management of the land for wildlife.

WCC’s Country Parks and Green Spaces service will use their expertise in habitat management and visitor experience to continue the valuable work of Warwickshire Wildlife Trust (WWT),and its volunteers, supporting local biodiversity and providing accessible options for visitors wishing to immerse themselves in Warwickshire’s unique natural landscape.

By joining the Warwickshire Country Parks portfolio, Stockton Cutting will benefit from the conservation expertise of a team of Specialist Habitat Rangers, providing fresh opportunities for biodiversity projects to align with WCC’s other sites, such as Kingsbury Water Park, Hartshill Hayes Country Park, Ufton Fields and Ryton Pools Country Park.

History of the nature reserve

This is a rare habitat here in Warwickshire and home to lots of orchids, butterflies, birds and fungi. Sites like this can easily be lost to development, fertiliser or reseeding – and we look after more than 50% of the surviving examples in our area. We were able to able to save it thanks to legacies kindly left to us. We named it in honour of Dr Andy Tasker, our former Chief Executive who died in 2012 - in recognition of the contribution he made to nature conservation during his 30 years dedicated to Warwickshire's wildlife. 

What's it like to visit?

This nature reserve is made up of Tasker's Meadow and a steep-sided disused railway cutting through limestone, called Stockton Cutting.  Grass snakes, rabbit and muntjac are all visitors to the reserve, with occasional signs of the elusive badger. The meadow is a valuable grassland rich with different species. Look out for less common plants like hairy violet, false oxlip, dwarf thistle, autumn gentian, wild thyme and the scarce blue fleabane. 

What might you spot?

Six species of orchid can be found here including the largest population of greater butterfly orchid in Warwickshire. Other species include bee orchid, common spotted orchid, pyramidal orchid and green winged orchid (first seen on the site in 2013).    Come to spot the many butterflies here from Spring to mid-Summer. Six nationally rare farmland butterflies have been recorded including the grizzled skipper, dingy skipper and white-letter hairstreak.  

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

Environmental designation

Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

Location map