Ardley Quarry

This old quarry and nearby railway cutting have geological features of national importance - as well as abundant wildlife. The layered bare limestone rock faces give a fascinating insight into the site's Jurassic past (more than 160 million years ago). Scrub, woodland and rough grassland make up the diverse array of habitats. Several seasonal ponds provide breeding places for frogs and great crested newts. Enjoy the first signs of spring with cowslips, primroses, blue bugle flowers and a carpet of violets. In summer, look out for the common spotted orchid and bee orchid. As well as the plentiful butterflies all around the site, munjtac deer forage in the woods, and woodland birds nest in the trees. Listen out for long-tailed tits, chiffchaff, willow warbler and bullfinch.