A former quarry that has been transformed into a butterfly haven will open its doors to the public on Sunday 23 July 2017.
In a rare opportunity for wildlife lovers, Hoe Grange Quarry in Derbyshire will reveal its riches, opening between 11am and 3pm. Visitors will be given guided butterfly walks and a tour of the site.
The former limestone quarry was left to wildlife in the 1970s and is now home to more than 26 species of butterfly, including the declining Wall and a large colony of Common Blues.
The reserve is situated on the southern edge of the Peak District near the hamlet of Longcliffe, between Brassington and Elton.
Butterfly Conservation’s Butterfly Recorder for the area, Ken Orpe, said: “This could be one of the largest Common Blue colonies in the Peak District. The whole reserve is brimming with butterflies at the moment with more than 500 recorded just the other week.
“We have seen butterfly numbers at Hoe Grange increase year on year thanks to the micro-climate created by the surrounding cliffs and trees. The unique habitat here is why it is home to some rare species too, like the Wall, which likes to bask on the rocks and this is one of the few places in Derbyshire where you can see this protected butterfly.”
The Wall has suffered severe declines over the last few decades and has been lost from many sites, including south Derbyshire, but it can be seen on the wing at Hoe Grange Quarry until early September.
Visitors will also be encouraged to look out for the White-letter Hairstreak, an elusive butterfly found on Elm trees, which can be found in the reserve.
Ken added: “There will be an ice-cream van and goody bags for children on the day. We really can’t wait for people to see this special and unique reserve, which is the result of years of hard work by volunteers and the site owners and we are all thrilled to finally share it with the public.”
The reserve is owned by Longcliffe Quarries Ltd and is managed by volunteers from the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and Butterfly Conservation’s East Midlands Branch.
Find out more information on the open day and on the reserve. Hoe Grange is home to a wide range of wildlife, from butterflies to Orchids and two species of Owl.
Access to the reserve is normally by appointment only through contacting Ken Orpe at @email or by calling the Reserve Warden, Ray Walker on: 01335 390584.