Wimberry Quarries facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wimberry Quarries |
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| Type | Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust nature reserve |
| Location | near Coleford |
| Area | 5 acres (2.0 ha) |
| Operated by | Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust |
| Status | Open all year |
Wimberry Quarries is a special nature reserve in Gloucestershire, found in the beautiful Forest of Dean. It's about 2 hectares (or 5 acres) big.
This amazing place is looked after by the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust. They work with the Forestry Commission to protect it. It's even called a 'Key Wildlife Site' because it's so important for nature!
Contents
Exploring Wimberry Quarries
Where are the Quarries?
Wimberry Quarries are about one and a half miles northeast of Coleford. The name comes from a steep, narrow valley called Wimberry Slade. This valley is one of many dry valleys that run along the edge of the Cannop Valley.
The reserve sits on the south side of the valley. It includes four old quarries and the piles of rock left over from digging. These quarries are surrounded by a large forest with many different kinds of trees.
What's Inside the Quarries?
These quarries are no longer used for mining stone. They have been mostly untouched since they closed. You can even find a blocked-off tunnel that was once used to move stone.
The biggest quarry has a tall rock face, about 25 meters (82 feet) high. This rock face shows layers of Pennant Sandstone. You can also see thin layers of coal here.
How to Visit
You can reach Wimberry Quarries from forest paths. These paths lead from the Cannop Valley up through Wimberry Slade. You can also get there from Mile End, near Perch Lodge. For your safety, there is a fence near the edge of the quarries.
Plants and Wildlife
Ferns and Flowers
The floors of the old quarries and the rock faces are now home to many different plants. You can find various ferns, mosses, and wildflowers growing here.
One special fern is the Oak Fern. It's quite rare, and Wimberry Quarries is one of the few places in the Forest of Dean where it grows. The Slade valley is great for ferns, with at least 10 different types recorded. Another rare plant found here is Common Wintergreen.
Heathland and Trees
At the top of the quarries, there's an open area called heathland. This area is between the safety fence and the quarry edge. Here, you can see plants like Bilberry and Heather. There are also plantations of Larch and Spruce trees nearby.
The quarry floors and rock piles have naturally grown into a mixed woodland. You'll find trees like Pedunculate Oak, Beech, Ash, Sweet Chestnut, and Birch. These trees have spread from the surrounding forest.
Protecting the Quarries
The people who manage Wimberry Quarries try to let nature take its course. They don't interfere much, allowing plants and trees to grow naturally. However, they do control trees that grow too much. They also keep the heathland clear of bushes that could harm it. This helps protect the special plants that live there.
Walks and Recreation
There are guides available that tell you about places to visit in this part of the Forest of Dean. These guides can help you find good spots for walks and for seeing the local wildlife.
