Former operational quarries often make excellent nature reserves. At Longcliffe’s Hoe Grange Quarry, a combination of thin calcareous soils, warm south facing bare rock and variations in topography combine to make it one of the best places to see butterflies in Derbyshire.
The Quarry is now a nature reserve managed jointly on our behalf by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and Butterfly Conservation East Midlands.
In the UK there are at most 60 species of butterflies seen including migrants - 30 of which can be found In Derbyshire. To date, 28 species of butterflies have been recorded at Hoe Grange, including three BAP* species - the Wall, Dingy Skipper and Small Heath.
*UK BAP priority species were those that were identified as being the most threatened and requiring conservation action under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP).
Species recorded on site/Year First Seen:
| Name | Year |
|---|---|
| Essex Skipper | 2015 |
| Large Skipper | 2013 |
| Dingy Skipper (BAP) | 2011 |
| Large White | 2012 |
| Small White | 2011 |
| Green-veined White | 2011 |
| Orange-tip | 2011 |
| Small Copper | 2013 |
| Brown Argus (Peak District species) | 2014 |
| Common Blue | 2011 |
| Red Admiral | 2011 |
| Painted Lady | 2015 |
| Small Tortoiseshell | 2011 |
| Peacock | 2011 |
| Comma | 2013 |
| Dark Green Fritillary | 2012 |
| Speckled Wood | 2013 |
| Wall (BAP) | 2011 |
| Gatekeeper | 2011 |
| Meadow Brown | 2011 |
| Ringlet | 2012 |
| Small Heath (BAP) | 2011 |
| Clouded Yellow | 2016 |
| Green Hairstreak | 2019 |
| White-letter Hairstreak | 2019 |
As well as butterflies, many other flora and fauna species are found at Hoe Grange Quarry including the Hummingbird Hawkmoth and Birdsfoot Trefoil.
The Reserve is open by appointment only. In July each year, an Open Day is hosted on site.
For more information go to https://butterfly-conservation.org/in-your-area/east-midlands-branch/hoe-grange-quarry
Images courtesy of Pete Clark (Common Blue) and Derek Brownlee (Wood Tiger Moth)
