David J Slater
Daneway Banks
In spring and summer the banks explode with colour from orchids, rock-rose, cowslips and other flowers whilst the air buzzes with the sound of bees and the occasional croak from a raven overhead.
Location
Know before you go
Entry fee
NoGrazing animals
YesWalking trails
This reserve is part of the Golden Valley Wildlife Way.
Access
.
Dogs
When to visit
Opening times
Open at all timesBest time to visit
All yearAbout the reserve
The nature reserve is an excellent place to spot butterflies, between June and July you might catch a glimpse of the rare (and once extinct in the UK) large blue butterfly that was reintroduced to the reserve. Other butterflies that are seen regularly on the reserve includes the dark green fritillary, marbled white and small blue.
The rare cut-leaved germander and cut-leaved selfheal flower on Daneway Banks in late summer. One of the most striking features at the reserve are the large ant hills made by the yellow meadow ant. In some parts of Gloucestershire the hills are known as "emmet casts", "emmet" being the old English word for ant.
Daneway Banks is part of the Golden Valley Wildlife Way, which includes Strawberry Banks, Three Groves Wood and Siccaridge Wood nature reserves.
Species
Contact us
Environmental designation
How to get there:
Post code: GL7 6LN
Grid reference: SO 93887 03420
Full directions:
FROM STROUD: From A46 / A419 roundabout. Follow the A419 east of Stroud for 6.8 miles. At the Chapmans Cross crossroads (look for a sign marked Sapperton/Cherington) turn north towards Sapperton. After 0.9 miles turn left at the crossroads signed towards Edgeworth/Bisley. After 0.7 miles you will see The Daneway Inn on the right hand side.
FROM CIRENCESTER: Head west on the A429/Bristol Road. At the Stroud Road roundabout take the 3rd exit/A419 west towards Stroud for 3.4 miles. Then take a slight right towards Sapperton and follow for 1.7 miles. The Daneway Inn will be on your right.
FROM CHELTENHAM/GLOUCESTER: From the Air Balloon roundabout take the A417 to Stroud. After 0.9 miles turn right onto the B4070 and stay on this road through Birdlip and for another 2.1 miles. Turn left onto Calf Way at the Fostons Ash Inn, then left again after 0.2 miles. Continue for 3.3 miles. The Daneway Inn will be on your left. Access to the banks is from the right hand turn towards Waterlane.
Parking Capacity: Follow the road past the pub and over the bridge. On the right hand side there is a lay-by with some parking. Please park considerately.