Prees Heath Common Butterfly Reserve
The last sanctuary for the Silver-studded Blue in the Midlands. The reseve is on a large Common that had been a Second World War airfield. A major restoration project is re-instating heathland and grassland vegetation across much of the site.
The reserve covers the western 60 hectares half of Prees Heath. The old airfield runway runs down the middle of the reserve and the airfield control tower still stands near the northern end. On the blocks of arable land the sandy sub-soil has been brought to the surface so that heathland and grassland can be re-established by seeding.
Butterfly Conservation purchased the reserve in 2006 after a long campaign and appeal in association with Prees Heath Commoners, local supporters and Shropshire Wildlife Trust.
ButterfliesSilver-studded Blue | mothsTreble-bar |
Other wildlife: Foxes, rabbits, polecats, stoats and weasels are present. Common Lizards bask in the open in the summer. A variety of heathland birds use the reserve, including hobbies and skylarks.
Location: The reserve lies between the A49 and the A41 two miles south of Whitchurch. Access to the reserve can be gained via a track off the A49 opposite the turning to Steel Heath. Parking is available at the truckstop car park (pay & display) at the roundabout juntion of the A41 and A49, just north of the reserve. The short walk onto the reserve involves crossing the busy A49.
Grid reference: SJ 557 363
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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