Wingate Quarry Local Nature Reserve
This site is located on the ‘magnesian limestone’ escarpment that runs through eastern County Durham. It was one of many such quarries that dotted this area. Limestone was quarried here from the mid 18th century to the mid 1930’s.
Originally, the stone was used in the construction of the surrounding towns and villages. Some limestone was taken to the steelworks at Middlesbrough in the early part of this century. However, the major part of the excavated material was used for supplying lime for agricultural use.
Over the past thirty years or more, the surrounding permanent pasture was ploughed up. The pasture gave way to a wider variety of farm crops. This resulted in the loss of many plants that once thrived on limestone pasture. Wingate Quarry is now a refuge for many of these plants. These include Greater Knapweed, Cowslip and Quaking Grass.
Wingate Quarry Local Nature Reserve - Map
Information
Location
- Approx 12 km (7 miles) from Durham City centre
- Approx 5 km (3 miles) from centre of Wingate
Facilities
- Free Parking
- Benches
