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Ashwell Quarry is a fine example of how
old chalk pits can develop into chalk grassland. The reserve stands as a
sheltered oasis for wildlife in an otherwise agricultural landscape. Ashwell
Quarry Springs are a minor source of the River Cam and have their own special
wildlife interest.
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 intererst 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. |
 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. |
| Visiting |
 The reserves are located
on Hinxworth Road about 1.5 kilometres to the west of Ashwell. Parking is
available on grass near entrance to Quarrie Hills Farm. (Turn left at Love
Lane). |
 There is no public transport
available. |
 Accessible at all times. |
 Worth a visit at all times of the year but the spring
and summer months are usually the most interesting. |
 Wear good walking shoes. |