RUTLAND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY

CROFT QUARRY

Saturday 8^th May 2010

Following his presentation to the Society at the end of March Carl Baggot escorted a party around the quarry in rather damp conditions which seems to be fairly normal at the moment.

 The group made straight for the path overlooking the quarry itself to try and locate the Peregrine Falcons which can be found here, this initial part of the walk led past the area where Purple Letter and White Letter Hairstreak are a possibility in a few weeks time.

 As we walked on a very vocal Lesser Whitethroat announced its presence but as usual for this bird never gave more than a shadowy view as it remained in the hedge.

 Looking over the quarry a female Sparrowhawk was circling around below and with Carl’s knowledge the female Peregrine was located sitting on a rocky outcrop, but definitely keeping out of the damp.

 Although Carl had shown slides of the quarry at his presentation they did not do justice to the size of the operation, it is thought that Romans quarried stone at this same site to build a local fort, there are several boards around the quarry giving detailed information about the history.

 Despite the dampness of the day several birds were in good voice including Common Whitethroat, Willow Warbler & Chiffchaff, Blackcap & Great Tit.

 Whilst it was not a day for getting down on hands and knees to examine the flowers in great detail the group identified many plants including Parsley Piert. Pignut and Glaucous Sedge.

 This is an excellent location with a wide variety of habitat from the quarry to old hedgerow, wetland to grassland combined with a wooded area, undoubtedly worth a further visit hopefully in more favourable weather conditions.

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