Penorchard Meadows Nature Reserve
Penorchard meadows lie on the northeast slopes of the Clent Hills, not far from Hagley and Halesowen. At just under 14 hectares they form one of the largest remaining areas of semi-natural grassland in Worcestershire. 13 hectares of the site form part of the Birmingham Plateau Grasslands Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Sympathetic management in the past has ensured that the richness of the meadows has survived. No artificial fertilisers have been added, no ploughing has taken place and grazing, mainly with horses, has been kept at a low level.
The special interest of the meadows lies in the marvellous and now rare diversity of the grassland, characterised by crested dog's-tail, common knapweed, common bird's-foot trefoil and common spotted orchid. Damp areas have species such as water mint, ragged-robin, jointed rush and lesser spearwort and other plants of interest include the evocatively named eyebright, dyer's greenweed, yellow rattle and yellow-wort.
Wildlife highlights: Buzzard, raven, jay, stock dove, linnet and green woodpecker are seen throughout the year.
Location and access: The reserve is open at all times but keep to the public footpaths. The site is a working farm with horses and cattle grazing the various meadows so please shut gates and keep dogs on a lead at all times.
The main entrance to the reserve is best to approached from the roundabout on the A456 Birmingham to Kidderminster road, about half a mile west of its junction with the B4183 to Halesowen. Turn up Hagley Wood Lane and at the T-junction shortly after the summit turn sharp left into Chapel Lane and continue to the church car park approximately 200 yards on the left. Parking is available here by courtesy of the District Church Council and use of the car park should be avoided during services. Access to the reserve is via the sign posted public footpath that passes through the churchyard. There are other access points via public footpaths.
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.
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