Paul Lane
A remnant of limestone grassland which is great for flowers, butterflies and other insects.
The lime-rich soil at Penny Hill Bank is thin and stony but this sheltered grassland is rich with flowers. About 180 species of flower have been recorded here including bee, pyramidal and greater butterfly orchids, twayblade, dyer’s greenweed, autumn felwort, ploughman’s spikenard rock-rose, and red bartsia. Several mosses that are uncommon in Worcestershire are found on the site.
This rich flora is excellent for insects from grasshoppers to butterflies. Visitors should look out for wood white, brown argus, green hairstreak and dingy skipper butterflies. A large number of moths has been recorded including burnets and lead belle moth. Common footman caterpillars have been seen feeding on lichens.
The reserve is rich in snails – a favourite of glow-worm larvae which can be found here.
Species and habitats
- Habitats
- Grassland
- Species
- Common Rock-rose, Carline Thistle, Dyer's Greenweed, Glow-worm
Nearby nature reserves
- Whitbourne Glebe
- 3 miles - Herefordshire Nature Trust
- Monkwood
- 3 miles - Worcestershire Wildlife Trust
- Grimley Brick Pits
- 5 miles - Worcestershire Wildlife Trust