Christopher Cadbury Reserve

An ancient unimproved grassland with a rich flora.

Location

Christopher Cadbury Reserve
West side of Escley Brook

Michaelchurch Escley

Herefordshire

HR2 0PT

OS Map Reference

SO 298 368

Know before you go

Size

5 hectares

Parking information

Limited roadside parking near entrance to reserve.

Grazing animals

The site is grazed periodically.

Walking trails

While the hay crop is growing in June and July, please keep to the edge of the meadows.

Access

There is no wheelchair access at this reserve.

Dogs

No dogs permitted

Dogs only permitted on the Public Rights of Way and should be kept on a lead

When to visit

Opening times

Dawn to dusk.

Best time to visit

Spring to late summer.

About the reserve

This reserve consists of two unimproved hay meadows lying in the lee of the Black Mountains. It has a very rich flora with over 160 species recorded. Species include bistort, eyebright, yellow rattle and knapweed. Various orchids are also found here including common spotted and green winged. Anthills are numerous at the far western edge of the reserve, where a patch of grassland is cut off by a stream. The meadows come alive with insects in mid-summer, one of the most interesting being the chimney sweeper moth.