Burton Leonard Lime Quarries

Burton Leonard Lime Quarries was last worked in the mid-1940s, when quarrying cut into the Magnesian Limestone of the Permian Period (approximately 200 million years ago). The lime-kilns were closed in 1941 and an outbreak in myxomatosis in rabbits led to an increase in species on this site, with the flat floors and steep cliffs providing several different habitats. The site is owned by Mountgarrett Estates and is leased to the Trust to manage as a reserve.

Vegetation that populates this disused quarry includes common restharrow, common rock-rose and common milkwort. Less common plants include squinancywort and burnet rose which grows in great numbers. These grow on the narrow strip of ancient turf that separates the two U-shaped quarries, as well as on the sides and floor of the quarries. The rich diversity of flowering plants here and the shelter provided by quarries makes the reserve attractive to several butterfly species with up to twenty having been recorded.

There are also many birds on site making use of the eighteen species of trees and shrubs that were able to establish there after the closure of the kiln and myxomatosis outbreak. Fifty bird species have been recorded here, many from the tit, warbler and finch family. The rabbit population has also recovered, so you are likely to find them darting around!

On the reserve we try to prevent the encroachment of trees and shrubs on the two limestone grassland banks (unusual soil on which specialist plants grow) by mechanically removing new shoots. This enables plant species that are unique to this soil type to thrive. Woodland management is only carried out when necessary and aims to conserve and increase the rich variety of species, especially mosses and lichens.

Directions

The reserve is situated about half-a-mile south of the North Yorkshire village of Burton Leonard. There is no parking in the immediate vicinity.

The main approach to the village is from the A61 Harrogate-Ripon road, near Wormald Green apporimately seven miles north of Harrogate. Park in Burton Leonard and walk along Limekiln Lane to the reserve.