Marshes Hill Common

Marshes Hill Common Local Nature Reserve is all that's left of a once extensive heathland that covered the area. It is now an island of heathland with great views over the surrounding countryside.

Location

Marshes Hill Common Local Nature Reserve, off Hill Top, Brown Edge, ST6 8TY

Brown Edge

Staffordshire

ST6 8TY

Know before you go

Size

5 hectares

Entry fee

Free

Parking information

There is car parking for 15 cars just off Hill Top, Brown Edge. Car park open 7.30am until dusk.

Grazing animals

Leave gates as you find them

Walking trails

Circular habitat trail or can be used as the starting point for the Brown Edge Green Vale self guided walk.

Access for walkers only on unsurfaced paths with some steps. A short circular trail is sign posted from the car park (about half an hour), unsuitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. Please note the car park has a locked barrier outside of opening times. There is open access on foot.

Access

Carpark at the top of Hill Top, Brown Edge. Turn off Sands Lane onto Hill Top, Brown Edge, then take the first left for the car park.

Dogs

Under effective control

Please keep dogs close to you, preferably on a lead, especially between April and July when many birds are nesting on or close to the ground - do not let it chase or worry wildlife. Put all dog waste in the bins where provided or take it home.

When to visit

Opening times

Open 24/7

Best time to visit

Spring is the best time to spot species like linnet and green hairstreak butterfly and emperor moth. Heather will flower from September to early November

About the reserve

Marshes Hill Common is designated a Site of Biological Importance because of its important heathland animals and plants.

You can enjoy a circular habitat trail or use it to begin a longer six-mile Brown Edge Green Vale self-guided walk. During a springtime visit listen for the complex twittering song from linnets, and the distinctive parachuting song flight of meadow pipits. Between April and June look out for male green hairstreak butterflies, while male day-flying emperor moths can be admired between late April and late May.