One of our most frequently visited reserves. This tiny meadow is in the heart of Shipley train station, between platforms 2, 5 and the car park. It is a short walk from Shipley town centre.
Features
This area of herb-rich grassland remained after the construction of the car park. Protected by fencing and maintained by annual mowing in the autumn, it supports the larval food plants of many characteristic grassland butterflies and moths.
Even this small urban habitat is being colonised by new species, such as Ringlet and Speckled Wood, which are extending their ranges northwards.
Females of the Common Blue here show the stronger blue colouration that is typical of the species in the northern parts of the UK.
The meadow flora includes sallow, hawthorn, birch, ash, buckthorn, bramble, rosebay willowherb, stinging nettle, bird’s-foot trefoil, cowslip, knapweed and various grasses.
The reserve is owned by Network Rail and managed jointly by Butterfly Conservation, Bradford Urban Wildlife Group and Leeds Groundwork Trust.
Size: approximately 30m by 10m
Directions
Grid Reference SE 150 375; Ordinance Survey map 104
Public Transport
The best way to get to the reserve is obviously by train! There are train services from Leeds, Skipton, Settle, Carlisle and Bradford.
Contact
Susan Stead 178 Warren Lane, Eldwick, Bingley, West Yorkshire BD16 3BY Telephone: 01274 774912
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