The reserve comprises a block of three traditional Herefordshire hay-meadows, a small old orchard area, two ponds and a complex of old hedgerows. The ground surface is gently undulating and is underlain by deep morainic soils varying from sand through to clays.

The land was formerly owned by the Davies family, well-known local agricultural contractors, who farmed the meadows traditionally, without using herbicides or fertiliser. The main meadow, Cockley Green Field, has not been ploughed for at least a hundred years, while the other two, known as Bower Field and Green Field, were ploughed until the early 1950's. As a result, all the meadows are herb-rich, with a wide range of grasses. In all three meadows, Crested Dogstail and Sweet Vernal grasses dominate, with an abundance of herbs like Hay Rattle, Pignut and Black Knapweed. Betony, Sneezewort, Cowslips and Devil's Bit Scabious occur in patches, while Common Spotted and Green-winged Orchids are also found. The present-day plant communities are typical of grazed hay meadows farmed in the traditional manner, an increasingly rare and threatened habitat.

The two temporary pond areas are also rich in interesting plants. Some species to look out for include Bur Marigold, Marsh Bedstraw, Lesser Spearwort and Meadow Rue. The central pond is surrounded by ancient willows and stays wet and marshy long after the pond in Cockley Green Field has dried out. In 2000, an invertebrate pond survey revealed two nationally scarce water beetles, both typical of temporary ponds. The internal hedges are moderately species-rich and contain larger hedgerow trees, including mature Oaks, a large coppiced Wych Elm, a few Perry Pears and some Hollies. The small pear orchard had fallen into neglect, but has now been restored and replanted with 15 traditional pear varieties between 1997 and 1999.

The meadows and hedgerows are alive with butterflies and day flying moths during late spring and summer. The star species to look for is the small, black Chimney-sweeper moth, on the wing in June/July and recorded at only one other site in the county - the HNT Christopher Cadbury reserve at Michaelchurch. The moth over-winters as an egg laid on Pignut, which is widespread throughout the meadows.

Leased to HNT in May 1994 from Plantlife for 50 years at a peppercorn rental.