About the reserve

The thin limestone soils on the embankment support rare plants including some which have survived from the ancient Mythe Wood. Notable species are the nationally scarce greater dodder, and two locally uncommon species wild liquorice and narrow-leaved everlasting pea. 

Mythe Hill is an impressive outcrop of lias limestone, Keuper marl and sandstone rising out of the Severn Vale. In the past this high point was the site of a Roman fort, a Norman castle, and a manor house belonging to the Church. The last fell when Henry VIII destroyed the monasteries, leaving only the tower known as King John's Castle. Mythe Wood, now virtually disappeared, was once extensive and important in the economy of the Manor.

"Mythe" means narrow strip of land between two rivers - the Severn and the Avon. The ancient Kyvehull Way, along which salt was carried to Tewkesbury from Droitwich, still runs from Pagets Lane northwards along the bottom of the embankment.

Much more recently a deep tunnel was excavated through Mythe Hill for the Tewkesbury and Malvern Railway which opened in 1861. 100 years later however the railway closed, the tunnel entrance was sealed and wildlife took over the site. The Mythe became a Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust Reserve in 1974 and was purchased in 1984 to protect wildlife and provide pleasure for local people and walkers.