Kirby Frith LNR, Leicester
Selected Wild Place / Other Wild Places / Public Rights of Way / VC55 boundary
There is an entrance to the south and mid-way up the site off Ryder Road, off Scudamore Road and adjacent to a small shopping complex. It is possible to park on the road or in the shops car park. A regular bus service from the city centre serves the local community (check bus time table and numbers for up-to-date information).
Site species count:
Kirby Frith Local Nature Reserve (LNR) is the last (and fortunately probably the richest) fragment of a much larger area of unimproved and semi-improved grassland. It is adjacent to the former Western Golf-course Local Wildlife Site, and was originally part of the golf-course. It is now surrounded on three sides by roads and industry, and is designated as public open space as well as a Local Wildlife Site. It is managed by cut and bale with removal of arisings to retain low nutrients and encourage greater diversity.
The main feature of interest is the relic species-rich neutral grassland which is believed to be one of the diverse meadows remaining in Leicestershire. It supports many species including Sneezewort, Agrimony, Lady’s smock, Sedges, Knapweed, Devil’s bit scabious, Betony and Yellow-rattle and Meadowsweet. The diverse range of plants and grasses support an abundant insect population.
It has a species-rich hedgerow planted when the housing development was constructed approximately 20 years ago. This has matured and is managed as a high forest/hedgerow. It is important as a nesting site for birds. Waxwing and common hedgerow bird species have been recorded here.
It contains a number of other maturing broadleaf trees that add to the landscape and visual amenity of this small, but attractive nature reserve.
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