Amwell Quarry facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
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| Area of Search | Hertfordshire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 37.0 hectares |
| Notification | 1999 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Amwell Quarry, also known as Amwell Nature Reserve, is a very special natural area in Amwell, Hertfordshire. It covers about 37 hectares, which is roughly the size of 50 football fields! This important site is officially recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because of its amazing wildlife.
The Hertfordshire and Middlesex Wildlife Trust owns and takes care of Amwell Quarry. It is also part of a larger, internationally important area called the Lee Valley Ramsar Site and Special Protection Area. These titles mean the site is super important for birds and wetlands around the world.
Contents
Discover Amwell Quarry: A Wildlife Haven
From Gravel Pit to Nature Reserve
Amwell Quarry wasn't always a nature reserve. It used to be a place where people dug out gravel from the ground. After the gravel was removed, the area was carefully restored. Now, it has become a beautiful wetland nature reserve.
The reserve features two main lakes: Great Hardmead Lake and Hollycross Lake. These lakes and the surrounding wetlands provide a perfect home for many different animals and plants.
Home to Amazing Wildlife
Amwell Quarry is a truly special place for wildlife. It is known around the world for its importance to birds, especially during winter. Many different kinds of wildfowl come here to spend the colder months.
This reserve is also considered Britain's most important site for dragonflies. You can see many different species of these colorful insects flying around. There are also large numbers of damselflies, which are similar to dragonflies but usually smaller.
Many types of birds choose Amwell Quarry as a place to breed and raise their young. The mix of water, reeds, and trees makes it an ideal spot for them.
Rare Plants and Tiny Creatures
Beyond the birds and insects, Amwell Quarry is home to some rare plants. These include the marsh dock and hairlike pondweed. Both of these plants are quite rare across the country.
The reserve also has an incredible variety of molluscs. These are creatures like snails and slugs. In fact, Amwell Quarry is home to about a quarter of all the different mollusc species found in Britain!
Visiting Amwell Nature Reserve
Amwell Nature Reserve is open to visitors at all times. You can access the site from Amwell Lane. It's a great place to explore and learn about nature.
