Tasker’s Meadow with Stockton Cutting, near Southam, Warwks

The 70 acre meadow is a rare habitat in Warwickshire and home to lots of orchids, butterflies and birds, the site was left to Warwickshire Wild Life Trust when the limestone quarry was closed several years ago. The reserve is obviously rich in lime stone and is a perfect habitat for many wild flowers and butterflies. The site is named in honour of Dr Andy Tasker, the trusts former Chief Executive who died in 2012 – this in recognition of the contribution he made to nature conservation during his 30 years dedicated to Warwickshire’s wildlife.

The 70 acre Taskers meadow has its boundary flanked by the old railway cutting, now lined with many species of native English trees.
You can walk around the meadow or cut across to walk through the cutting, There is a gate at the meadow end,then a path takes you through a grassy glade surrounded by many tall trees. There were several young tree shoots, ie., hawthorne, wych elm, redwood , then flowers such as vetch, cow slip and vipers buglos.
It was a  good site for the green hair streak and there must have been 20 or so fluttering around settling now and then to worship the sun. A few were tempted to reach high for the nectar on the crab apple blossom of a 20 metre high tree.There are many species of butterflies and wild flowers to enjoy at different times of spring and summer.
Definitely worth another visit soon.

Contact me: richardlangley2710@gmail.com