About the reserve

This disused limestone quarry is owned by Longcliffe Quarries.  

The site has not been worked since the 1970s which means that nature has had plenty of time to develop. For a site of just short of 5 hectares it packs in a good mix of habitats.

As you would expect there are still areas of bare ground which provide an ideal place for insects to sunbathe. Surrounding these is beautiful flower rich short limestone grassland whilst at the fringes of the quarry is taller grass and woodland. There is even a disused dew pond which we hope to restore in time.

The quarry is particularly of interest because of the number of diversity of butterflies which occur here. Volunteers from Butterfly Conservation Trust have been walking a weekly transect at Hoe Grange for a few years and their results are fantastic, they have recorded a total of 24 different species of butterfly.

We are working closely with Butterfly Conservation Trust to ensure that the site is managed in the best way as a future haven for butterflies.

Butterflies recorded at Hoe Grange Quarry: 1. Small Skipper 2. Essex Skipper 3. Large Skipper 4. Dingy Skipper (BAP) 5. Large White 6. Small White 7. Green Veined White 8. Orange-tip 9. Small Copper 10. Brown Argus (Peak District Race) 11. Common Blue 12. Red Admiral 13 Painted Lady 14. Small Tortoiseshell 15. Peacock 16. Comma 17. Dark Green Fritillary 18. Speckled Wood 19. Wall Brown (BAP) 20. Gatekeeper 21. Meadow Brown 22. Ringlet 23. Small Heath (BAP)