Grid Ref: SO 937034 | Area: 17 Hectares | Volunteer Here
Daneway Banks is a glorious example of unimproved limestone grassland adjacent to Siccaridge Wood.
Features
The excellent display of wild flowers includes cowslips, common rock-rose and many species of orchid, including fly and green-winged. The large blue butterfly which became extinct in this country in the late 1970s was reintroduced here in 1999 along with a small number of other sites in the south-west of England. Daneway Banks is the only location in Gloucestershire to support the large blue. The lucky visitor will see it from mid-June to mid-July. Other butterflies on the reserve regularly seen are grizzled skipper, marbled white and small blue. One of the most striking features to the first time visitor at Daneway Banks is the number of large ant-hills spread around the reserve. The yellow meadow ant makes these hills, which on some grassland areas, can reach up to 1m in height. In some parts of Gloucestershire the hills are known as “emmet casts”, “emmet” being the old English word for ant. Scrub still remains on the Banks, but it is now managed as a habitat in its own right. Many species of invertebrate and small mammal rely on scrub for food and cover. It is also important for winter visitors such as redwing and fieldfare.
How to get there
Take the A419 Cirencester to Stroud road and turn right at Chapmans Cross. Follow the road for half a mile then turn left at the crossroads towards Sapperton. Park in thre small lay-by at the bottom of the hill. Walk across the old canal bridge and turn left into the wood.
Additional Info
Please follow the paths and help us protect this wonderful habitat.
Reserve Manager: Pete Bradshaw: 07887 764173
|