CRAMER GUTTER

The gutter in question is a gentle brook that flows along the bottom of this wonderfully rich grazing pasture on the slopes of Titterstone Clee into the River Rea - no filthy conduits here! The reserve is part of Catherton Common, once one of Shropshire's most interesting upland areas, but now seriously degraded by overgrazing.

A rich mosaic of plants grows in this mostly boggy meadow; more than 100 flowering species have been recorded. Get down to ground level on your hands and knees to appreciate their variety. Dry and wet areas have different species; look for cross-leaved heath, ling and bell heathers; bog asphodel, sundews, the violet-like butterwort and the tiny, pale mauve flowers of bog pimpernel. In August-September you might find marsh gentian here.

In summer watch out for dragonflies, specialities include the keeled skimmer - its only location within a 50-mile radius - and the large golden-ringed dragonfly.

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