King Barrow Quarry facts for kids
King Barrow Quarry is a cool place on the Isle of Portland in Dorset, England. It used to be a busy stone quarry way back in the 1800s. Now, it's a peaceful nature reserve! You can find it in the north-east part of a place called Tophill.
This special area covers about 12.2 hectares, which is like 30 football fields! King Barrow Quarry and another nearby spot called Tout Quarry together form the amazing Portland Quarries Nature Park, run by the Dorset Wildlife Trust. Portland is also home to two other butterfly reserves: Broadcroft Quarry and Perryfield Quarry.
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A Look Back: Quarry History
This area was once a very busy place. Over 100 years ago, people worked hard here, digging out lots of stone. This was especially true during the 1800s. Imagine how much stone they moved!
When they first started digging, they found some really old things. Workers discovered many artifacts left behind by the Romans! After the quarry stopped being used, nature slowly started to take over. People also helped by managing the plants and trees.
Becoming a Nature Reserve
Around 2004, something great happened. The owners of the quarry decided to give it to the Dorset Wildlife Trust. This meant the quarry could become a protected nature reserve. It was then officially named King Barrow Quarries Nature Reserve.
Exploring the Old Quarry
Even today, you can still see clues about the quarry's past. There are big blocks of stone that were cut but never moved. You might also spot an old shelter where quarry workers would rest.
Look closely, and you might find pieces of old tramway tracks. There's even a small tunnel! These were part of a special railway. Horses would pull carts of stone along these tracks to another bigger railway called the Merchant's Railway. This railway then carried the stone away.
Amazing Wildlife at the Quarry
King Barrow Quarry is a fantastic home for many different plants and animals. Its rocky slopes, small grassy areas, and sheltered spots create perfect places for nature to thrive. This area is known for its special plants and animals that love limestone soil.
Experts say it's one of Portland's best places for wildlife. The thin limestone soil has slowly become covered with all sorts of beautiful wildflowers. King Barrow Quarries is especially famous for its bright blue butterflies and many different kinds of birds. It's a great spot for nature lovers!