Neil Aldrige / Wildnet
Priory Fields
Location
OS Map Reference
SP 101 791
Know before you go
Parking information
Parking on verge on Priory RoadGrazing animals
NoWalking trails
Flat, informal paths, muddy in winter
Access
There are no defined paths around the reserve but the area is relatively flat.Â
Dogs
When to visit
Opening times
Open at all timesBest time to visit
April to JulyAbout the reserve
What's it like to visit?
Comprising of four fields, this peaceful oasis is bisected by Mill Stream, which feeds the large mill pool sitting adjacent to the reserve.  Predominantly moss and swampland in 972AD, the site gave rise to heath and pasture by 1495, and eventually became Yardley Wood Common until 1847.  Changing little since, the site still offers remnants of heathland and acidic grassland which are now rare habitats in Warwickshire.
What might you spot?
Heather, broom, dwarf gorse and heath rush occupy one of the four fields, with carnation sedge, marsh-marigold and lesser spearwort growing along the stream’s damp margins.  Hawthorn and blackthorn help attract over 60 species of birds throughout the year. with tall trees including oaks, silver birch, rowan and exotic red oak.Â