Cross Hill Quarry Local Nature Reserve

Abandoned as a working quarry in the early 1900's, Cross Hill is a good example of natural change on a man-made site and has since become an exceptional refuge for wildlife. Once quarrying ceased, the thin soils and exposed rock became revegetated through stages of succession from flower-rich grasslands, to hawthorn scrub and finally woodland. Examples of each stage can still be seen. Visit in June to see the fine display of wildflowers in the main quarry. The quarry floor, made up of mounds of spoil, is rich in lime and provides perfect growing conditions for many limestone grassland flowers. Fairy Flax, the Lemon Flowered Mouse-ear Hawkweed and Lady's Bedstraw can be found along with fragrant herbs such as Wild Thyme and Marjoram. In the eastern end of the reserve, another quarry was infilled in the 1970's and heavy clay used as a capping causing the grassland to be damp throughout the year with Hard Rush, Soft Rush, Reed Canary-grass and Willows flourishing. In the dense shade under the scrub, ivy forms thick carpets covering the hollows and mounds. Most woodland flowers need more light and Cuckoo-pint (Lords-and-ladies), Dog's Mercury, Lesser Celandine, Hedge Woundwort and Wild Rose are found closer to the paths. Bluebells, Wood Anemone, Woodruff and Wood Sanicle can be found in the more open, undisturbed western woods towards Brungerley Park, which were never quarried. The flower-rich grasslands of the main quarry attract a number of butterflies. The Common Blue, distinctive through its bright colour, Orange Tip, in which only the male has orange wing-tips, and Meadow Browns are frequent residents on this site. Bird activity can be observed all year round at Cross Hill. In spring the Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff return from warmer climates with Grey Wagtails and Sand Martins very evident from April. The river provides feeding ground for birds such as Herons, which are often seen along the river, and Kingfishers throughout the year. The main rock face in the former quarry is also of interest, showing the exposed limestone laid down in bedding planes, which have been tilted over the period since they were first laid down millions of years ago.