From the early 19th century until the end of the First World War this site was a busy, noisy limestone quarry, supplying the agricultural and iron smelting industries.

Now the quarry floor, which was once open and raw, is carpeted with limestone loving grasses and plants. Cliff-nesting birds such as peregrine falcon and jackdaw populate the exposed quarry faces. The reserve is also home to the largest natural population of English whitebeam in the UK.

In spring and summer the place is alive with a variety of orchids taking centre stage. Autumn ladies tresses, fairy-flax, yellow-wort, wild thyme and rock rose are just some of the wild flowers that attract colourful displays of butterflies, including the threatened Pearl bordered fritillary butterfly.

The entire reserve is approximately 22ha in size, 13ha of which falls into Montgomeryshire, and has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its rich botanical interest. The Shropshire Wildlife Trust jointly manages the reserve.

Offa's Dyke long distance trail cuts through the centre of the reserve.

Grid reference SJ 267 218