Bishop Middleham Quarry

About the Site

Bishop Middleham is considered to be one of the country’s most important disused quarry habitats for wildlife. This Magnesian Limestone quarry has been colonised by a wide variety of plant and animal species that are characteristic of limestone soil, several of which are rare. Magnesian Limestone grasslands have a very restricted distribution in England, most of which occur in County Durham. See our Biodiversity Action Plan for more information.

The reserve is particularly rich in orchid species with common spotted, northern marsh, pyramidal and fragrant orchid all occurring here. The most important floristic feature of the site is the large number of dark red helleborine, which flourish throughout the reserve. Areas of developing limestone grassland contain fairy flax, autumn gentian, blue moor grass, upright brome, moonwort and carline thistle.

Rockrose is found in the quarry and supports a colony of the rare Northern Brown Argus butterfly associated with the Magnesian Limestone areas of County Durham and Tyne and Wear. The common blue, small heath and large skipper butterfly are also found on this reserve.

The orchid species are in bloom between April and June, and visiting the reserve in July or August will reveal a wide range of butterfly species including good numbers of dingy skipper and wall brown.

Bishop Middleham Quarry

Location

The reserve is situated ¾ mile north of Bishop Middleham village, to the west of the A177. Cars can be parked on the verge on the west side of the road, ¼ mile beyond the sharp bend, and opposite the reserve entrance.

Access is via the way-marked path. As the quarry is steep sided, existing footpaths should be followed. The quarry floor can be reached using the steps in the northern slope. Particular care should be taken in wet weather when paths and steps can be slippery. Visitors should keep to the footpaths due to the sensitivity of the flora.

Facilities

None. The reserve is not suitable for wheelchair use.

Enquiries

Durham Wildlife Trust
Rainton Meadows
Chilton Moor
Houghton-le-Spring
Tyne and Wear
DH4 6PU
Tel: 0191 584 3112