It is heathland, designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

[1] The area of the reserve is 213 hectares (530 acres); it is an uncultivated landscape, in which houses and smallholdings are dispersed.

There is heather, including cross-leaved heath, and deergrass which is rare in Shropshire.

[2] Bird species to be seen include Eurasian skylark, European stonechat, yellowhammer, and common linnet.

A representative sample of the mining remains on Catherton Common is listed as a scheduled monument.