Shipley Railway Station Meadow Butterfly Reserve
One of the few truly urban reserves, this tiny (30 m x 10m) meadow is in the heart of Shipley train station, between platforms 2, 5 and the car park.
This area of herb-rich grassland remained after construction of the station 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. The flora includes sallow, hawthorn, birch, ash, buckthorn, bramble, rosebay willowherb, stinging nettle, bird's-foot trefoil, cowslip, knapweed and various grasses.
Butterflies: 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. Orange Tip, Small Copper & Six-spot Burnet moth.
The reserve is owned by Network Rail and managed jointly by Butterfly Conservation, Bradford Urban Wildlife Group and Leeds Groundwork Trust.
Location: It is a short walk from Shipley town centre, at Shipley station.
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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