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Bishop Middleham Quarry.

Site Description: quarrying magnesian limestone ceased here in the 1930s and a variety of habitats developed on the10-hectare site, from deciduous woodland through magnesian limestone grassland to almost barren rock floor. Rich flora appeared; the site has been an internationally important SSSI since 1968.

Butterfly species present: Large, Small and Dingy Skipper; Large, Small and Green-Veined White; Orange Tip; Common Blue; Northern Brown Argus (late June - mid July); Small Copper; Speckled Wood; Wall; Meadow Brown; Ringlet; Small Heath.

Moth species: Six-Spot Burnet; Narrow Bordered Five-spot Burnet; Wood Tiger; Latticed Heath; Humming Bird Hawkmoth; Small Argent and Sable.

Other wildlife: the site accommodates several orchid species, including the rare Dark Red Helleborine and Bee, and many other plants, including Moonwort, Blue Moor Grass, Autumn Gentian, Fairy Flax and Common Rock-rose. Yellowhammers are among common sightings, but the Bee-eaters which nested here in 2002 have not returned.

Ownership and Management: Bishop Middleham Quarry is leased from the Church Commisioners and managed by Durham Wildlife Trust in partnership with English Nature.

Access: entrances to the site are about a mile down an unmarked lane leading west off the A177 south of Coxhoe, just south of the road to West Cornforth. There is limited roadside parking opposite the two entrances.

Grid reference: NZ331326

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