Our February Coach Trip, on Saturday 14th, includes two reserves for the price of one!
The small village of Nosterfield is bordered by two nature reserves. To the south lies one of the most important inland wetland sites in North Yorkshire which is managed by the Lower Ure Conservation Trust (LUCT), while to the north there is a still active quarry operated by Tarmac, who work to restore areas of the site to wildlife habitat as quarrying finishes.
The LUCT managed reserve was a sand and gravel quarry until the late 1980s and became a designated Local Nature Reserve in 2001. It covers an area of 150 acres of wet grassland and open water but as it sits on magnesian limestone the water levels fluctuate widely over the year with a typical range of 2.5 metres, or more, depending on rainfall – so at the moment they are quite high! There are two comfortable hides and a covered viewing screen with good paths connecting them. As the reserve has become more established the variety of plants and insects, particularly butterflies and dragonflies, has increased but the primary value of the site is the number of birds especially waders and waterfowl. From the northern end of the reserve it is a walk of less than half a mile to reach the Visitor Centre at the quarry site.
Nosterfield Quarry differs in still being an active sand and gravel quarry but, even as work progresses, the areas which have been finished with are being restored to nature. There are areas of open grassland, water and reed beds as well as new and more established woodland and hedgerows. This is a bigger site covering 1.5 hectares; the areas of open water are larger and there is a more extensive network of paths. However apart from the visitor centre there are no hides and just two viewing screens. Although the quarry is in use six days a week, over 200 species of birds have been recorded including 32 types of waders.
The combination of these two sites give an insight into what can be achieved using vision and commitment – there is more to make of old quarries than landfill.
Paul has yet to do a full recce, however the route is expected to be similar to the one below from our previous visit.
ROUTE
We will start at the LNR and then walk to the Quarry Reserve where the intention is to have lunch at the visitor centre before exploring the second reserve. The paths are generally good and level but may be wet in some areas so waterproof footwear is advisable. There are no stiles unless you take the shortcut across the fields to the village at the end of the day. The total distance planned is just over 4 miles, although this can be easily shortened.
FACILITIES
There are no facilities at the LNR reserve other than the two hides. The Quarry site has a small visitor centre which is open for use with tables and chairs, tea making facilities and a toilet. There is also an area outside with picnic tables, should the weather be suitable.
In Nosterfield village there is a pub, The Free Mason’s Arms.
BOOKING
The trip is open to friends and family. But please remind your friends that our trips are run by our Members for Members.
Everyone joins our excursions at their own risk. (Our full statement on our liability may be read on our website Disclaimer – Rochdale Field Naturalists’ Society)
The Coach will leave at 9.00am, from Morrison’s car park in Heywood.
The cost is £20. Please pay your £20 beforehand by bank transfer : Sort code 05-07-67 Account number 60931963 and use your name as reference.
Then Click here to email rfnsbookings@gmail.com to book your place.
Please note your place is not reserved until you receive a reply to that email.
RETURN
The coach will pickup from the Quarry Visitor Centre or in the village at 3.45 p.m.