Habberley Valley local nature reserve
Habberley Valley is located North West of Kidderminster and North East of Bewdley on the B4190, Wolverley to Bewdley Road, Grid reference SO 80294 77482 (DY11 5RH).
Habberley Valley Local Nature Reserve is approximately 27.5 hectares (68 acres). The site is largely composed of open acid grass and heathland to the south and is replaced northwards by a succession of birch and oak, which in areas contains a bilberry under-storey.
There are many geographical features; a sand stone escarpment gives the site its valley shape in addition to cliffs and rocky outcrops.
The acid grassland in spring/early summer is awash with the striking reds of sheep sorrel, interspersed with the delicate blues of harebell and devil’s bit and sheep’s-bit scabious.
The site has a good selection of fungi with Earth Stars being of particular interest. There is also a diverse array of bird life including all three species of woodpecker, common buzzard, tawny owl and sparrowhawk. Reptiles such as adder, slow worm and common lizard are often seen.
Invertebrate species include some real rarities like the terrestrial caddisfly, various solitary wasps, green tiger beetle and an array of moth’s that are scarce in our county, many being present because of the bilberry woodland.
There are many pathways around the site which can easily be accessed from the main car park. There is also a circular walk which takes in some of the picturesque countryside surrounding the valley. Due to the sandy nature of the soil, horse riding is not permitted.
The site is currently grazed by our Shetland cattle for around two months of the year.
Are you inquisitive? Do you want to identify different fungi, plants, and wildlife species? If so, try one of the following websites: