Quarry Holes

Quarry Holes map

Click here for a downloadable version of the map

Introduction

The machinery, lorries and workmen are now long gone, and a new landscape fills the small area close to Cinderhill that was once a limestone quarry. Quarry’s can surprisingly be a perfect place for wildlife. The steep slopes and hills are the only reminders of its former life.

Well-trodden paths snaking their way through the woods will get you up close and personal with the different types of trees, flowering plants and grasses. See if you can tell the difference between sycamore, hawthorne, elder and ash. This is often quite a tricky task in Quarry Holes as ivy grows on many of the tree trunks.

Willow tits, wrens and greenfinches are among those birds singing in the trees. Brightly coloured lords and ladies, celandine and red campion wildflowers bathe the woodland floor with yellows, oranges and reds. And the colour doesn’t stop there – butterflies and other insects can be found dancing among the different types of grasses.

For further information on Quarry holes visit the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust reserve webpage.

Quarry Holes is managed by Nottingham City Council.

Expanding the meadow...

If you go down to the woods today, you will see that a lot has changed here recently. Much of the ground may still look quite disturbed.  This is part of a big project at Quarry Holes which saw quite a few trees removed to create a healthier woodland, a bigger wildflower area and a safer atmosphere for visitors.

Image © Al Greer

Wildflower meadow

If you walk through the woodland, the reserve suddenly opens up, and instead of trees it is the vegetation on the ground that will catch your eyes in summer months.  This area of Quarry Holes is being developed and managed to be a wildflower meadow; having a variety of habitat types on the site will encourage a wider range of wildlife. Of course, it also lovely to just enjoy the colour!

Image © Si Griffiths

Quarry Holes Woodland

The woodland of Quarry Holes is a mix of trees that have sprung up on the reserve since the quarrying was stopped. These days it is dominated by ash and sycamore with hazel, rowan, elder and hawthorn.

Tilbury Woods

Quarry Holes is often locally refered to as 'Tilbury Woods'.  This is because the main entrance to the reserve is from Tilbury Rise at Aspley/Cinderhill.

Turquoise Line, number 79 bus

The turquoise line number 79 (NCT Bus) serves Quarry Holes well, going along Bells Lane and also Broxtowe Lane on the southern end of Tilbury Rise. If you find Tilbury Rise once you are off the bus, Quarry Holes is about half way along - slightly nearer the Bells Lane end.