A special feature of this nature reserve is the lowland heath, which contains heather, bilberry and juniper. Heather moorland is rare throughout Britain and is a priority for conservation because it is becoming increasingly scarce and fragmented.

The adjoining Chapman’s Well nature reserve is one of the best bird-watching sites in the region. The vast areas of marshy grassland & ponds provide fabulous places for birds to feed and breed throughout the year.

Species include heron, stonechat, skylark, linnet & reed bunting. Many birds of prey hunt overhead including five different species of owl (short eared, long eared, barn, tawny & little owl), kestrel, red kite and buzzard, as well as the occasional marsh harrier.