Ryton Wood Meadows, Warwickshire

Breadcrumbs

This reserve has been created from a capped landfill site. It shows how brownfield sites can provide valuable wildlife habitats

Look out for

Butterflies

  • Dingy Skipper
  • Grizzled Skipper
  • White Admiral
  • Silver-washed Fritillary

Moths

  • Yellow-legged Clearwing
  • Light Orange Underwing
  • Clouded Magpie
  • Great Oak Beauty
  • Mere Wainscot

Notable plants

  • Pennyroyal

Features

The grassland on the stony soil of this capped landfill has largely developed naturally, supplemented with some seeding of appropriate species.

It has been carefully managed by our Warwickshire Branch volunteers. Special habitat creation measures such as stony banks have been employed and are helping to boost the Grizzled Skipper population.

The reserve includes the nearby margin of Ryton Wood where coppice and ride management provide habitat for the woodland species. Pennyroyal, a nationally rare plant, is well suited to the disturbed ground conditions present on the site.

The reserve is part of a landscape conservation initiative focussing on habitat restoration for threatened butterflies in the Princethorpe woodlands area.

The reserve is leased from Lafarge Aggregates, who also support its management.

Area: 7 hectares

Directions

The reserve lies on the southern side of the A445 between Bubbenhall and Ryton-on-Dunsmore just south of Coventry. It is bordered to the west by Ryton Pool Country Park, where ample parking is available, and to the south and east by Ryton Wood.
Entrances to the reserve are from the A445 opposite Featherstone Farm, through the country park and through various paths in Ryton Wood.

Map Reference: SP 378728 Ordnance Survey Map: 140

Notable nearby sites

Ryton Wood (Warwickshire Wildlife Trust reserve), Ryton Pools Country Park

Public transport

The 538 bus service (Monday to Saturday) between Leamington Spa and Coventry runs along the A445 past the Ryton Pool Country Park entrance.

Site Access and safety

Most entrances involve stiles or small footbridges and these may be difficult for visitors with limited mobility. The main gated entrance can be unlocked for events such as guided walks.

The paths around the reserve are generally firm level and clear to follow, but not many are significant in size and can be hidden when the vegetation is tall. Care is needed because of the tripping hazards of surface debris. The Country Park has many paths suited to wheelchairs and many facilities including powered scooters for loan.

Contact

Mike Slater