Ruewood

Ruewood Butterflies

Gary de Saram

Two wet meadows full of wild flowers

Location

1 mile south-west of Wem
Wem
SY4 5SH
A static map of Ruewood

Know before you go

Size
3 hectares
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Entry fee

Free
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Parking information

Room for 1 vehicle outside gate to reserve

Grazing animals

Yes

Access

Footpath leading to the reserve. Contact the Trust for disabled access information.

Dogs

Dogs permitted

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

April to July

About the reserve

Two wet meadows full of wild flowers, traditionally managed by grazing livestock. In spring and summer damp ditches are full of plants such as marsh marigold, cuckoo flower and meadowsweet.

More than 140 different species grow here, including the plant that gives this reserve its name – meadow rue. This is a Shropshire rarity, growing in a tiny handful of places in the county. Once, when there was more wet alder woodland along the River Roden, meadow rue was more widespread. Today you can find it along the old parish boundary hedgerow, separating the two fields.

Directions to Ruewood

Approach from the B5476 south of Wem, turning off towards Tilley. Go through Tilley, turn right towards Commonwood and the gate to the reserve is on the second sharp bend on the right.  

Contact us

Location map

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