One of our readers, Rose Barlow from Huncote, sent in the above picture of Mute Swans on the pond at Croft Hill Nature Trail. Rose has just recovered following a nasty fall whilst out walking which resulted in a broken leg. She was thrilled not only to be able to walk to the pond, but also to see that the swans had returned. There is no doubt that a good walk in the countryside is an excellent way to help recover from both physical and mental setbacks. This pond and the surrounding area is home to a wide variety of birds, amphibians and insects, and quiet contemplation of the reed-beds will usually be well rewarded.
The footpath along the river valley is suitable for everyone, but for those seeking a more challenging route the climb up New Hill can be found by turning right as soon as you enter the Nature Trail. At the top of the steps it is possible to look down into the quarry and across to the summit of Croft Hill. The exposed rock face has for many years been a nesting site for several species of cliff-nesting birds, including Peregrine Falcon, Kestrel, Raven and Jackdaw. The grassy area is a haven for various species of butterfly such as Common Blue, Brown Argos and Marbled White.
A walk along the safe footpath that runs around the quarry will take you to the summit of Croft Hill, which provides a variety of habitats including various grasslands and broad-leaved woodland. The hill provides a natural focus for migrating birds each spring and autumn, such as Cuckoo, Pied Flycatcher, Wheatear, Redstart and Stonechat, as well as a wide variety of resident species. The migrant species are particularly attracted to the remnants of ancient woodland on the side of the hill and it was here that we saw a Pied Flycatcher two years ago – the highlight of our lockdown.
There is no formal parking for the nature trail, although the grass verge just outside of Huncote is often used; a safer alternative is to park in the village and walk to the nature trail either along the road or via the new footpath accessed via Daultry Road. We are fortunate to have such a high quality nature reserve near at hand, and it would appear that the recent planning application concerning the quarry will do nothing to spoil our enjoyment of its delights.
One of our readers, Rose Barlow from Huncote, sent in the above picture of Mute Swans on the pond at Croft Hill Nature Trail. Rose has just recovered following a nasty fall whilst out walking which resulted in a broken leg. She was thrilled not only to be able to walk to the pond, but also to see that the swans had returned. There is no doubt that a good walk in the countryside is an excellent way to help recover from both physical and mental setbacks. This pond and the surrounding area is home to a wide variety of birds, amphibians and insects, and quiet contemplation of the reed-beds will usually be well rewarded.
The footpath along the river valley is suitable for everyone, but for those seeking a more challenging route the climb up New Hill can be found by turning right as soon as you enter the Nature Trail. At the top of the steps it is possible to look down into the quarry and across to the summit of Croft Hill. The exposed rock face has for many years been a nesting site for several species of cliff-nesting birds, including Peregrine Falcon, Kestrel, Raven and Jackdaw. The grassy area is a haven for various species of butterfly such as Common Blue, Brown Argos and Marbled White.
A walk along the safe footpath that runs around the quarry will take you to the summit of Croft Hill, which provides a variety of habitats including various grasslands and broad-leaved woodland. The hill provides a natural focus for migrating birds each spring and autumn, such as Cuckoo, Pied Flycatcher, Wheatear, Redstart and Stonechat, as well as a wide variety of resident species. The migrant species are particularly attracted to the remnants of ancient woodland on the side of the hill and it was here that we saw a Pied Flycatcher two years ago – the highlight of our lockdown.
There is no formal parking for the nature trail, although the grass verge just outside of Huncote is often used; a safer alternative is to park in the village and walk to the nature trail either along the road or via the new footpath accessed via Daultry Road. We are fortunate to have such a high quality nature reserve near at hand, and it would appear that the recent planning application concerning the quarry will do nothing to spoil our enjoyment of its delights.