Millhoppers Pasture Butterfly Reserve
Millhoppers Pasture reserve is a small (1.2 hectare) ancient pasture with a stream-fed pond and ancient, pollarded Black Poplars. It is a rare piece of unimproved grassland surviving in an area of rich soils and intensive farmland. Some of the hedges are thought to date back to Tudor times. Such ancient hedgerows, with their diversity of shrubs and trees, are of great conservation importance. Having received little management for many years, the grassland is developing well under careful mowing and a suitable grazing regime is being established. Though small the site has a lot of rich invertebrate habitats.
Owned by Butterfly Conservation.
Butterfly highlights: Large population of Ringlets, as well as Marbled whites, Speckled Wood, Common blue and 15 or so other species.
Moths: Dark Sword-grass, Red-green Carpet, Small Clouded Brindle, Vestal.
Dragonflies: Lush vegetated ditches mean dragonflies and damselflies are in abundance including Migrant and Southern Hawkers.
Location: The reserve is along Astrope Lane between Wilstone and Long Marston. There is very limited parking in the lane for about 2 cars - please do not block farm gates. Parking and other facilities are available at Wilstone Village, about 1/2 a mile away.
Walking from Wilstone head towards Long Martson/Gubblecote, after crossing the canal bridge turn left down Astrope lane. The reserve is on the right after about 1/4 mile. The site is open access and a public footpath also runs along one side.
Grid reference: SP 895 153
These maps are intended as a guideline only; you must check the exact location of the reserve yourself. Wildlife Extra assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or usefulness of the information on this website.