Ardley Wood Quarry

About this nature reserve

This quarry and nearby railway cutting have geological features of national importance, with abundant wildlife. The layered bare limestone rock faces provide insight into the site's Jurassic past (more than 160 million years ago). Medieval earthworks give Ardley Wood Quarry archaeological interest. Scrub, woodland and rough grassland make up diverse habitats. Several seasonal ponds provide breeding places for frogs and great crested newts. The warm, sheltered site is good for butterflies, including grizzled skipper, dingy skipper and green hairstreak species. Woodland birds nest in the trees.