National Nature Reserves are our finest biological and geological sites. Most are open year round and free to visit. Enjoy exploring them.
The Stiperstones NNR includes the major part of the Stiperstones ridge in south Shropshire, near the Welsh border.
This is a wild and atmospheric landscape, with a geology of national significance. The Ordovician ?Stiperstones Quartzite?, which makes up the ridge was shattered during the last ice age to create the jagged, boulder-strewn landscape seen today.
Common lizard and common frog live on the reserve and local birdlife includes red grouse red kite, skylark, raven and stonechat.
Invertebrates range from armies of hairy wood ants, to magnificent green hairstreak butterflies and emperor moths.
There is open and well-used public access to the reserve. The Stiperstones Stomp is an 8km path that takes in the sights of the ridge and surrounding countryside, while there are also a number of shorter alternative routes and a 650m all-ability trail.
