England · five wildlife sites

Nature reserves & wildlife sites in Shropshire

Explore these places for wildlife in Shropshire. Seasonal notes suggest when to look; sightings are not guaranteed.

01 / 05

Stiperstones

Near Pennerley, near Minsterley

Habitat: Heather and bilberry moorland with rocky ridges, grassland and patches of woodland.
Wildlife to look for: Red grouse, raven, stonechat, redstart (spring–summer), green hairstreak butterfly (spring–early summer).

02 / 05

Near Whixall, near Whitchurch

Habitat: A large lowland peat bog with open pools, heather and cotton grass, crossing the border into Wales.
Wildlife to look for: Large heath butterfly (summer), white-faced darter dragonfly (late spring–summer), hobby (spring–summer), adder (warmer months), raft spider (warmer months).

03 / 05

Near Prees Heath, near Whitchurch

Habitat: Restored sandy heathland and grassland on a former airfield.
Wildlife to look for: Silver-studded blue butterfly (mainly June–July), small copper butterfly (spring–autumn), small heath butterfly (late spring–summer).

04 / 05

Near Ellesmere

Habitat: Flooded gravel workings with lagoons, islands and muddy margins beside an active quarry.
Wildlife to look for: Sand martin (spring–summer), little ringed plover (spring–summer), lapwing, tree sparrow, greenshank (spring and autumn migration).

05 / 05

Near Wellington

Habitat: Ancient oak woodland and open quarry clearings on a steep hillside.
Wildlife to look for: Dingy skipper butterfly (spring–early summer), nuthatch, red fox (most active around dawn and dusk).