Visit Carr House Meadows and step back in time to the English countryside as it used to be. 

A rare example of the flower rich fields that were a once common sight, the meadows abound with colour – bluebells, yellow rattle, swathes of red and white clover, scabious and orchids can all be found here, as well as the bright pink marsh-loving ragged robin, a rarity in the area.  And all those flowers, together with minimum human interference, mean that many insects are found here too, with butterflies, beetles, spiders and grasshoppers all thriving in the rich foliage.

Meanwhile, the hedgerows and drystone walls are home to still more insects, plus a dense population of songbirds including the bullfinch, chiffchaff, willow warbler and goldfinch.

All in all, the meadows are a wildlife haven, supporting many more species than the typical present day English field. 

Animal Managers

Traditionally farmed to provide hay as winter feed for horses, it’s because Carbrook Meadows have never been intensively managed, that they are still home to the wide range of wildlife found there today.  Now, the hay is cut after mid July, allowing the flowers time to set seed, and ensuring a continuous supply for the future, as well as giving insects and small mammals time to complete their lifecycles.

In addition, cattle graze on the aggressive grasses, giving more delicate wildflowers space to grow, while also churning up the ground, which creates niches for wet-loving plants to seed, and provides an ideal habitat for some insects. 

How to get there

By Bus
The nearest bus stop is on the Stocksbridge Road (A61020 at Wharncliffe Side.  Get off at the Blue Ball pub, and walk up Brightholmlee Lane, which turns into Carr House Lane.  Phone Travelline on 01700 515151 for more details.

By Car
Carr House Meadows is just outside the village of Wharncliffe Side.  The car park is only open for events or workdays, otherwise park in the village.  Parking on Carr House Lane is not advised; it is narrow and winding.

Please note: The site is very steep, and gets very wet in winter, so may not be suitable for people with walking difficulties.

Click here to download a Carr House Meadows map and information leaflet

• Parking
• Picnic Area

• Grassland