For many years Llanymynech rocks was an active quarry producing lime which was used to increase fertility on farmland. When quarrying ceased, the quarry floor and spoil heaps were bare limestone with no soil or vegetation.
Over time a thin layer of soil has developed allowing plants to slowly colonise the area.
The soil remains thin and lime rich and this limits growth of more vigorous plants particularly grasses. This provides an ideal opportunity for less competitive plants and wild flowers to flourish creating the varied and colourful grassland of today.