A walk through part of the Stour Valley Local Nature Reserve
What to look for ...
The grassland and marsh areas support many species of wild flower through the year. Cowslips, Cuckoo Flower, Red and White Clovers, Tufted Vetch, Black Knapweed, Meadowsweet, Lady's Bestraw Bird's-foot Trefoil and Pepper Saxifrag can all be found on the dry grassland. The marsh supports plants such as Ragged Robin, Lesser Spearwort and Water Avens.
Most of the common species of butterfly, such as Small Tortoiseshell and Brimstone, occur as well as some species less frequently encountered - Clouded Yellow and Brown Argus for example.
Those other colourful insects, the dragonflies and damselflies, are also abundant. Damselflies are much smaller than dragonflies and tend to rest with their wings folder behind their backs.
Throughout the year, there are always plenty of birds to be seen. Kingfishers are a common sight along this stretch of the river and Kestrels are often seen hovering over the meadows.
In winter, look out for different species of duck on the river as well as the less obvious Little Grebe and Water Rail.
The Route
(See Photo 4, right)
Further Information
| Distance |
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2.5 miles (approx) |
| Allow |
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1.5 hours (approx) |
| Parking |
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Car park at junction of Muscliff Lane & Granby Road |
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Countryside Officers
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Stuart Clarke and Richard Hesketh
The Barn, Stour Acres, off Granby Road, Muscliff
Tel : (01202) 535140 |
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