Newbold Quarry Park facts for kids
Newbold Quarry Park is a special nature reserve located in Newbold-on-Avon, near Rugby in Warwickshire, England. It used to be a big hole in the ground called a quarry, where rocks were dug out. Now, it's filled with water and surrounded by trees, covering about 10.5 hectares (that's like 26 acres!). The Warwickshire Wildlife Trust helps look after this amazing place for everyone to enjoy.
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History of the Quarry
This area was once a very busy place! People dug out a type of rock called Blue Lias limestone from the ground here. This limestone was important for making cement, which is used to build things.
Work at the quarry started way back in 1877. There were even special ovens called cement kilns right next to the quarry to process the rock. The quarry stopped working in 1910, then briefly started again in 1920. But by 1923, the quarry filled up with water, and the digging stopped for good. All the old machinery was taken away a few years later. Today, this former industrial site has become a peaceful home for wildlife.
Amazing Wildlife at the Park
Newbold Quarry Park is a fantastic spot for nature lovers! The water attracts many different kinds of birds. You can often see elegant great crested grebes, graceful swans, busy moorhens, and lots of different ducks swimming around.
The water here is very clean and has lots of lime, which is good for many creatures. You might even spot native crayfish, which look a bit like tiny lobsters! Other animals living in the water include smooth newts, frog tadpoles, and fish like pike and perch. Tiny creatures called invertebrates also live in the soft walls of the quarry. Look up, and you might see bat boxes that help bats find a home. Sometimes, you can even see water mammals like water rats swimming in the water.
Visiting the Park: Facilities
Newbold Quarry Park is a great place for a day out. There are no public toilets available, so plan ahead. You can park your car easily in the car park on Edgerton Road, and it's completely free to enter the park!
As you explore, you'll find special viewing platforms along the clay banks. These spots are perfect for looking out over the quarry and enjoying the scenery. There are also picnic sites where you can stop for a snack or lunch.
The park has many paths that wind through the area. Some of these paths are even suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, making it easier for everyone to enjoy the park. There's also a special viewing pier that allows people with physical disabilities to safely get closer to the water's edge.
Understanding the Quarry's Depth
The quarry is very deep in some places, reaching up to 15 metres (about 50 feet)! In 2018, skilled divers explored the depths. They found some old items that had fallen in over the years.
Because the quarry is so deep and has hidden features, it's not safe for swimming. There's a special rule that says no swimming is allowed to keep everyone safe. Fishing is also limited in the quarry.
