LLANYMYNECH ROCKS

From the Welshpool direction, the dramatic cliff face of the quarry confronts you miles before you get to Llanymynech, rising suddenly from the low-lying, flat fields around the Morda and Vyrnwy rivers. The hills just here mark the beginning of the Oswestry uplands, a limestone outcrop that continues up into north-east Wales.

The old quarries were designated a nature reserve more than 30 years ago, shared between the Shropshire and Montgomery Wildlife Trusts. Today, much of it is woodland, with ash trees twined in wild clematis, or old man's beard, as it is also known, on account of the smoky wreaths of seed-heads that turn bushes and trees frosty white here in autumn.

But the greatest botanical treasures are found in the short grassland and old spoil heaps directly beneath the cliff. Bee and pyramidal orchids grow here, along with the bright yellow rock rose and a whole herb garden of aromatic herbs - thyme, marjoram and wild basil.

Mining and quarrying on a small scale was carried out here for more than 2,000 years,

right up until the First World War. The old stone tramways and a winding house survive, reminders of an ancient industry.

New glades are now being opened up and small-scale felling carried out to open up a corridor of light for butterflies in the hope that the pearl-bordered fritillary may spread from its stronghold on the Welsh side of the reserve onto the Shropshire side. It is a route taken by people walking their dogs through the trees here every day; butterflies need the encouragement of sunlight.

Find out more about this reserve