About the reserve

The unimproved limestone grassland at Kilkenny is rich in wildflowers. There are abundant populations of plants such as autumn gentian, along with orchids like common spotted, pyramidal, and the often overlooked twayblade. The flowers attract large numbers of insects, including the Duke of Burgundy and chalkhill and small blue butterflies. Kestrels are often seen hunting small mammals and there are many small birds that make their home here, including yellowhammer.