Brae Pasture Nature Reserve

A limestone pavement exists at Brae Pasture, evidence of its glacial past, however sadly it is for the most part damaged. A landscape created by retreating glaciers, Brae Pasture supports a rich and varied flora. A mix of limestone grassland which is species rich, improved grassland and woodland, Brae Pasture is a botanist's ideal. With flowering species including early purple orchids, violets and primroses, the grasslands are speckled with colour around May time. The diverse mix of plant species including rock-rose supports insects such as the small skipper and common blue butterfly. In the small area of woodland on the reserve a small stream develops after heavy rain. Here the ground flora is dominated by alternate-leaved golden saxifrage. Mosses and nettles are also abundant in areas of heavy shade. After hay cutting in the lower-lying agricultural land Brae Pasture is grazed by sheep and cattle until late autumn.

Directions

From Horton in Ribblesdale, head north out of the village on the B6479 towards the Ribblehead viaduct. After going under a railway bridge and travelling about 3/4 mile you'll pass a public footpath sign, after which the road rises slightly and then descends with a small gully on your left. Access to the reserve is via a stone stile back along the lane by public footpath sign. The reserve consists of the large field and a small field to the west at the top of the gully.