Chadkirk Wildflower Meadow, Stockport
Chadkirk is a jewel in Stockport’s crown. The two meadows within the estate are designated as a Site of Biological Importance and as such are rare in the borough. Since being enhanced in 2005 a wealth of new species have been identified, including great crested newts, six-spot burnet and common blue butterfly. The pond on site is one of only a number of ponds within Greater Manchester known to support all five species of amphibian present in the county.
Header image © Sue Nottingham/Plantlife.
Species to spot
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Cowslip
Best time to see: April - May
Easy to spot with its yellow cup-shaped flowers nodding at the end of tall stems. The name cowslip allegedly derives from ‘cowslup' - an old term for cowpat - since where the cow 'slupped' this flower was often found.
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Six-spot burnet moth
Best time to see: June - Aug
Unlike many moths, the burnet moth flies during the day. Its caterpillars feed on Bird's-foot Trefoil whilst the adults feed on the nectar of knapweed, thistles and other grassland flowers. Image © Bob Coyle
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Oxeye daisy
Best time to see: June - Aug.
Large and daisy-like, the oxeye tends to bloom around midsummer and in fact is called the Sunnwendbleaml - or 'solstice flower' - in Austria. Before the 16th century it was known as the 'Moon Daisy' or 'Dog Daisy'.
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Common knapweed
Best time to see: June - Sept
A thistle-like plant also known as 'black knapweed', although its flowers are actually bright pink. It is a popular source of nectar for the Red Admiral, Meadow Brown, Peacock, Painted Lady and many other butterflies.
Your pictures
Owned by
Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council