About the reserve
This small arable field is managed with wildlife in mind. Here you will find rare cornfield flowers which were once plentiful in our countryside, a beetle bank and flocks of farmland birds.
In spring, swallow, warblers and finches gather together among the thick margins of wildflowers.
The site is now managed for arable weeds with cereals sown every autumn. With many arable weed species declining, this work provides valuable foraging opportunities for wildlife.
During the winter, when food stores run low, some of the cropped areas are left as stubble. This provides rich pickings for linnet, yellowhammer and other farmland birds, which have all suffered national declines due to intensive farming methods.
Best time to visit
In spring swallows, warblers and finches. Wildflowers in field and margins in spring and summer. Winter finches and buntings on winter stubble.
Special Features
In summer, rare field cow-wheat, locally known as ‘poverty weed’, is in full flower. This plant was once so common that men were employed to pull it out and burn it, to prevent its seeds from tainting the crop. Now this is the only remaining site in the UK for this striking arable weed.
Dogs
Guide dogs and Assistance dogs only.
Access
There is no vehicular access or parking near St Lawrence Field. Either park in the village of St Lawrence, walk 100 yards up St Lawrence Shute and take the footpath off to the right. Or walk along Whitwell Road from Ventnor.
