About the reserve

Two wet meadows full of wild flowers, traditionally managed by grazing livestock. In spring and summer damp ditches are full of plants such as marsh marigold, cuckoo flower and meadowsweet.

More than 140 different species grow here, including the plant that gives this reserve its name – meadow rue. This is a Shropshire rarity, growing in a tiny handful of places in the county. Once, when there was more wet alder woodland along the River Roden, meadow rue was more widespread. Today you can find it along the old parish boundary hedgerow, separating the two fields.

Directions to Ruewood

Approach from the B5476 south of Wem, turning off towards Tilley. Go through Tilley, turn right towards Commonwood and the gate to the reserve is on the second sharp bend on the right.