The reserve comprises two fields divided by a traditional Manx sod hedge that is lined with hawthorn. The fields are lower lying than the surrounding land and this, together with a ditch, is sufficient to maintain quite a high water table and create the right conditions for the growth of common reed that occurs as a strip around the northern edge of the two fields.

This type of habitat is very rare on the Island (covering just 0.03% of the land area) as it is very susceptible to drainage. Reedbeds are a valuable habitat for wildlife supporting a number of specialist birds including willow warbler, sedge warbler and reed bunting, as well as insects, other invertebrates and frogs.

Grassland occupies the remainder of the fields, the more westerly is fairly dry but the other quite wet. It is here that large quantities of false fox sedge can be found, unusual as it is normally found near the coast. The meadow and wetland are rich in wildflowers including ragged robin, greater bird's-foot-trefoil, vetches, red clover, meadow vetchling, marsh woundwort, marsh cinquefoil, meadowsweet and wild angelica.

Notable species include Common reed (Phragmites australis), false fox-sedge (Carex otrubae) and common-spotted orchids.