Kilkenny

An example of unimproved limestone grassland with a rich flora and fauna with abundant autumn gentian and one of the few Cotswold sites still supporting Duke of Burgundy butterfly.

Location

Kilkenny, near Andoversford
GL54 4LN

OS Map Reference

SP004186
What3Words: eager.hikes.sandwich
A static map of Kilkenny

Know before you go

Size
5 hectares
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Entry fee

Free
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Parking information

Plenty of free parking available

Grazing animals

The grassland of this nature reserve is maintained by grazing cattle in September and October

Access

Most of the terrain is flat and there is a picnic area with benches.

Dogs

On a lead
i

Facilities

Picnic area

When to visit

Opening times

Open access throughout the year

Best time to visit

May to September

About the reserve

The unimproved limestone grassland at Kilkenny is rich in wildflowers. There are abundant populations of plants such as autumn gentian, along with orchids like common spotted, pyramidal, and the often overlooked twayblade. The flowers attract large numbers of insects, including the Duke of Burgundy and chalkhill and small blue butterflies. Kestrels are often seen hunting small mammals and there are many small birds that make their home here, including yellowhammer.

More detailed directions

Travelling west along the A436, you'll pass the Kilkeney Inn on your right. Take the next left, then the first turning on your left to reach the car park.