Nature Reserves > Restricted reserves > Ashwell Quarry & Quarry Springs
Ashwell Quarry & Quarry Springs
A disused quarry which supports varied chalk grassland species
The quarry is very old and we know that in more recent times parts were cultivated and grazed. After quarrying finished about one hundred years ago, it slowly developed scrub and much of the open grazed grassland - rich in plants - was lost.
In summer the reserve is full of plants such as pyramidal orchid, field and small scabious, clustered bellflower and glaucous sedge. Deep shaded hollows add their own interest and many of the older thorn and elder bushes support rare mosses.
The adjacent Quarry Springs produce a stream of water at consistent temperature of about ten degrees centigrade, which is the very special requirement of some of the rare species of flatworm which thrive here.
Quarry is accessible by PERMIT ONLY. Available from the Warden, 56 Back Street, Ashwell, Baldock SG7 5PE (01462 742684). SAE appreciated!
The reserve is managed to enhance its natural diversity. Pockets of scrub of various ages show how vegetation of chalk changes over time. Sheltered
glades in the scrub offer protection for many butterflies and other insects. Following removal of bushes many of the
chalk grassland plants - including cowslips and pyramidal orchids - are coming back.
