Swift's Hill

Climb this local landmark for wonderful views of the Slad Valley and look out for a wealth of wildlife. The limestone grassland here supports over 130 species of wildflowers including 13 species of orchid including the rare frog orchids, bee orchids and early purple orchids.

Location

Knapp Lane
Elcombe
Stroud
The nearest postcode is GL6 7LA

OS Map Reference

SO876068
What3Words: backfired.edge.removers
A static map of Swift's Hill

Know before you go

Size
10 hectares
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Entry fee

Free
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Parking information

The village of Slad is the best place for parking, or there is a small amount of parking in laybys on Knapp Lane

Grazing animals

Cattle

Walking trails

Part of the Laurie Lee Wildlife Way, a 5.3 mile circular walk that covers much of the picturesque Slad Valley
A leaflet is available from our shop here

Access

Swift's Hill is steep, with access on grassland or on rough tracks

Dogs

On a lead

When to visit

Opening times

Open access throughout the year

Best time to visit

April to August

About the reserve

The limestone grassland on the steep slopes of Swift’s Hill supports more than 130 species of wildflowers, with no fewer than 13 different orchids found here, including rare frog, bee, early purple and autumn lady’s-tresses.  Knapweed, wild thyme and white helleborine support butterflies such as marbled white and common blue, two of 29 species of this insect recorded here. Birds to look and listen out for include kestrel, skylark and green woodpecker. Field voles, limestone snails, rugged oil beetles and the rare rufous grasshopper are all found here. The shady track to Swift’s Hill is lined with plants such as violet, bluebell and sanicle. There’s also an old quarry, with viper’s bugloss found close by.

The grassland is maintained by grazing cattle from April to October, and on a clear day you can see as far as Wales. 

History

Swift’s Hill is one of a series of commons in the Stroud Valleys and a great place to enjoy views as far was Wales. hill is immortalised in Laurie Lee’s Cider with Rosie. It was purchased by GWT in 1967.

Environmental designation

Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)