Harbury Spoilbank

Access may not be possible currently due to local road closures (June 2020)

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

Know before you go

Size

7 hectares

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.