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Habitat
A former sand and gravel quarry, owned and managed by the Lower Ure Conservation Trust since 1996. Primarily a wetland, grassland habitat, with four permanent bodies of water, the dragonfly population is continually expanding. To date, 16 species have been recorded, most recently Emerald Damselfly and Four-spotted Chaser. A permissive footpath from the main car park runs in one direction to West Tanfield village, and in the opposite direction towards Nosterfield village, from which it is possible to view the Silt Lagoons. Two hides overlook the Main Lake and a viewing screen overlooks the North Lake. In summer, the footpath is a favoured ‘sunning’ area for Black-tailed Skimmers and in the autumn is frequented by Migrant Hawkers and Common Darters.
Access
Access is from the B6267 (Moor Lane), east of West Tanfield, which follows the boundary of the reserve, signed at the car park entrance (SE278795).
The site is open all year round but visitors are requested to keep to the permissive footpath at all times. To arrange a group visit, please contact Simon Warwick, LUCT Trustee: email simon@luct.org.uk or telephone 01765 602832
More Information
Species List
- Banded Demoiselle Calopteryx splendens
- Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa
- Willow Emerald Damselfly Chalcolestes viridis
- Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans
- Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum
- Common Hawker Aeshna juncea
- Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta
- Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea
- Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis
- Emperor Dragonfly Anax imperator
- Lesser Emperor Dragonfly Anax parthenope
- Golden-ringed Dragonfly Cordulegaster boltonii
- Four-spotted Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata
- Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum
- Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum
- Red-veined Darter Sympetrum fonscolombii
- Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum