Ashwell Quarry and Quarry Springs facts for kids
Ashwell Quarry and Quarry Springs are special nature spots in Hertfordshire, England. Together, they cover about three hectares, which is roughly the size of three football fields! The Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust helps look after these areas, making sure they stay safe for all the amazing plants and animals that live there.
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Discovering Ashwell Quarry and Quarry Springs
What Makes These Places Special?
Ashwell Quarry and Quarry Springs are not just any old places. The quarry is known as a Regionally Important Geological Site. This means it has very special rocks and landforms that teach us about Earth's history. A local farmer owns the quarry, and Hertfordshire County Council owns Quarry Springs.
A Look Back in Time
The quarry might have been used a very long time ago, even during Roman times! The stone found here, called Totternhoe stone, was probably used to build Ashwell's church, which is over 600 years old.
In the 1800s, sheep used to graze in the quarry. This helped the soil become perfect for wild flowers that like dry, chalky ground. Then, in 1970, this special place officially became a nature reserve.
Amazing Plants and Animals
Ashwell Quarry is home to many interesting plants. You can find beautiful pyramidal orchids, clustered bellflowers, and glaucous sedge. In shady spots, there are even rare types of mosses.
Quarry Springs has its own unique wildlife. It's home to rare flatworms that need very clean water. This water also needs to stay at a constant cool temperature, around 10 degrees Celsius, for them to survive.
Visiting the Reserves
Ashwell Quarry is about a mile west of Ashwell, on Hinxworth Road, across from Loves Lane. If you want to visit Ashwell Quarry, you need to get a special permit. You can get this from the local warden of the Wildlife Trust.
Quarry Springs is just on the opposite side of the road from the quarry.
