Visitor Guidelines
The exposed vertical
rock faces have become stabilised by time and
vegetation, but are still a hazard for an unwary
visitor. Please resist the temptation to remove
fossil-bearing rocks from the walls of the quarry,
and avoid trampling on the few plants of Stinking
Hellebore present.
Description
The quarry workings
are believed to date from the second half of
the 19th century but have long been disused.
Deciduous and coniferous woodland forming part
of Haugh Wood surrounds the quarry. This has
doubtless helped in the regeneration of the secondary
woodland of Beech, Ash and Oak with some Yew,
Spindle, Spurge Laurel, and Holly understorey,
which has now colonised the old workings. Some
Beech appears to have been planted. Lower down
the slope towards the track where there is more
light, there is a dense tangle of vegetation
dominated by Bramble and Wild Clematis. The botanical
interest of the site lies in the calcicole flora
e.g. Stinking Hellebore, Yellow-wort and Carline
Thistle, which grow in the old spoil heaps, while
lime-loving mosses and liverworts have colonised
the steep rock faces.
Present Management
Management is concerned
with preventing too much encroachment by trees
and shrubs, which would hide the rock exposures
and shade out the interesting herbaceous plants.
Acquisition Details
Managed as a reserve
by the Trust since 1972 by agreement with Forest
Enterprise. The site is designated as a Site
of Special Scientific Interest.
General Information
Best
time to visit |
Spring and summer. | |
Habitat |
Disused limestone quarry workings with exposed rock faces and secondary calcicolous vegetation. | |
Size |
0.4 hectare (1 acre) | |
Specialites |
Chiffchaff (3-7), Blackcap (4-7), Great Spotted Woodpecker. Ringlet (6-8), Gatekeeper (6-8), White-letter Hairstreak (7-8). Stinking Hellebore (2-5), Carline Thistle (7-9). | |
Parking |
Park in clear area towards end of track, near to Forestry Commission track. | |
OS
map |
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Nearby
Reserves |
Common Hill, Lea and Pagets Wood, Nupend Wood, Pentaloe Glen and Convallaria Area & Wessington Pasture |
Downloads
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reserve details 
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