Limestone and chalk grasslands are some of our most diverse grasslands for wildflowers and pollinating insects.

Graham Berrry, NWWT's Reserves Officer, explains why Minera Quarry is special

Salad burnet, wild thyme, common rock-rose, common centaury, carline thistle and birds-foot trefoil are vital nectar sources for many species of bumble bees, moths and butterflies, especially the common blue, small skippers and small heath butterflies. Many orchid species can be seen throughout the limestone grassland including common spotted, bee, fragrant, pyramid, frog and northern marsh orchids while purple flower spikes of autumn gentian appear in autumn.