2011-06-22 10:31
The name "Stocking" indicates that what is now a field was once woodland cleared for agriculture long ago, leaving the land covered with "stocks" or tree stumps. Large old hedges border the meadow on two sides (north and west) and contain a variety of shrubby species. Bramble thickets adjacent to these hedges provide breeding sites for blackcap, garden warbler and long-tailed tit in season. The meadow has a very rich flora. Numbers of common spotted and heath spotted orchids occur here in close proximity, their species integrity presumably maintained by differences in microhabitat and reproduction, although some hybrids do occur.
Walking information:
As the reserve is managed as a hay meadow, please only walk around the edge of the field while the hay is growing and keep dogs under control. The field gate must be kept closed at all times. Please also do not enter the roped-off area where orchids are being studied
Reserver deep link:
http://www.herefordshirewt.org/reserves/stockings.htm
Location type:
Wildlife or nature reserve