Steve Cheshire
Harbury Spoilbank
Location
OS Map Reference
SP 386 598
Know before you go
Parking information
Limited parking - small layby adjoining the reserveGrazing animals
Grazing livestock but not every yearWalking 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
When to visit
Opening times
Open at all timesBest time to visit
April - OctoberAbout 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.