A temporary closure of the Cotswold Way at Birdlip (Air Balloon) has just been authorised. The diversion will run from 29th May for 6 months (but may need some extension). The closure is due to the major road reconfiguration on the A417. See the attached map for the details of the diversion. Cotswold Way Diversion at Birdlip
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An amazing array of flowers on the hill today
March 30th
Leckhampton Beef for sale
Many of you will know that the cattle we see on the hill are owned and managed by Eddie and Emma from Wades Farm in Stroud. The cattle are our 24×7 conservationists, munching through the grass and brash in the traditional way, keeping the hill in great condition to the benefit of the endangered flora and fauna of the rare unimproved limestone grassland on the hill. Modern cattle do not thrive on a diet of old fashioned grass (they need richer grass and supplements to grow rapidly), but the traditional Belties do the job brilliantly.
Wades farm is a business, and this business depends on selling the beef – in the traditional way farms always have.
You can help support Eddie and Emma, and the conservation of the hill by purchasing beef from them. It’s superb meat and very good value.
The document below give prices and information on how to order.
NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE STATUS CONFIRMED
Natural England has confirmed that our site is to be conferred the designation as a National Nature Reserve (NNR) this year. The designation recognises the special value of this site for both its nature and its geology.
As the site remains a precious area of unimproved limestone grassland, it is home to a wide diversity of nature, including nationally endangered species like the Adder and the Duke of Burgundy butterfly for which this type of landscape is especially favourable.
At the same time, the geology of this limestone escarpment has been deemed important, not least because the old quarry faces leave exposed millions of years of geological history.
2025 Annual report of Butterfly surveys.
Now available!
To see the latest annual results in full Click 2025_Butterfly_Survey_Report
CBC have advised us that the Cotswold Way trail through Leckhampton Hill will be having a mild refurbishment later this month (March). The whole length of the path will be re-rolled through the site. In low places that do hold a little rainwater extra stone will be added to raise the levels and help with drainage. A small digger and roller will be used. The path will be left open during the work.