Bradford Urban Wildlife Group
Bradford Urban Wildlife Group
recording, observing and protecting Bradford wildlife & habitats
Where is it?
The butterfly meadow is roughly at the centre of the station complex.
It opened in 1993 as a result of the efforts of buwg, network rail, the local authority and butterfly conservation.
What is there?
The meadow is maintained as a grassland habitat, particularly suited to the common blue butterfly. A small colony of these butterflies provide a beautiful spectacle each year.
The meadow forms a hub from which radiate wildlife corridors along trackside verges and bradford beck. The meadow enriches, and is enriched by these connections.
Birdsfoot trefoil
Birdsfoot trefoil is the major foodplant for common blue caterpillars, and it is present in abundance in the meadow.
What else is there?
The meadow is a refuge and nectar source for a number of butterfly species. In addition to the species above are meadow browns, ringlets, large whites and comma butterflies .
What is suitable for common blue also particularly suits Burnet moths, which breed in the meadow.
Marbled white butterflies were a surprising addition to the list of species in the meadow, first seen in 2012 as solitary sightings, and best seen in 2014 as a small colony of 6.
Pollinating insects including a variety of bees and hoverflies are attracted to the meadow.
Getting there.
Please note, the meadow is a small patch of ground and is vulnerable to damage by visitors. Please try to visit on our annual open-day in June/ July.
Details of the open day will be put on this website as soon as available.
By bus
The station is only a short walk from Shipley centre, which is well served by buses.
By train
Surely self explanatory!
By car
The station car park is full by around 7.45 am on weekdays, but usually has space at weekends. There are car-parks and some street parking spots in Shipley.