Grid Ref: SK977733

Status:    Site of Nature Conservation Importance (Lincolnshire Trust)

This site is a 2ha limestone quarry is still actively worked on a small scale and has several bare rock faces. The site has been designated as Critical Natural Asset for the following reasons:

1) The site has bare faces that show exposures of Lower Lincolnshire Limestone including fossiliferous (lamellibranchs and particularly gastropods) Cementstones. These exposures are regionally important in placing the deposits in a geological context. The site represents a good opportunity for geological education.

2) The site contains calcareous limestone grassland. This habitat type is one of the most threatened habitat types in the county, and this site is one of only 5 substantial calcareous grassland sites in Lincoln. Limestone grassland has declined by almost 40% since 1940, and only 92ha (est) remain throughout the county. At 0.5 ha (approx.), this site represents 5% of Lincoln's calcareous grassland resource. Although there are only patches of this habitat here, there is the possibility of expansion through restoration and natural recolonisation.

3) The site is one of a complex of SNCIs, including West Cliff, Burton Road, Hobbler's Hole and Old Quarry, that provides a valuable wildlife corridor into the City Centre, and is an important area of greenspace in an area otherwise impoverished of such interest.