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.