Birches Farm Nature Reserve, Herefordshire Wildlife Trust

The spring brings a show of cowslip, bluebell and lady’s smock to the fields before the rush of orchids in May and June. Common spotted, early purple, twayblade and green-winged orchids flower in abundance. Devil’s bit scabious, bird’s foot trefoil, bugle, yellow rattle and knapweed flower across the site while dyer’s greenweed thrives on the sloping northern fields. Late summer sees swathes of harebells before autumn crocus steal the show.

The hedgerows on the farm are traditionally managed by laying and cutting and ‘standard’ full grown trees are left within the hedges. The centuries-old hedgerows are mainly comprised of hawthorn, blackthorn, rowan and hazel and provide a wonderful wildlife habitat.

Among the many birds which visit and breed here are redstart and willow warbler. Whitethroat dart through the hedges and lesser whitethroat can be heard from the hedge tops. Red kites also breed in the area and are seen regularly over the farm. Hares are often seen in the meadows and you may well spot signs of badgers on your visit.