Bishop Middleham Quarry

Bishop Middleham Quarry: A large magnesian limestone quarry, which is noted for its very rich flora, characteristic of a habitat that is internationally rare. This reserve is considered to be one of the countrys most important disused quarry habitats for wildlife and has been designated as a SSSI since 1968.

This is an internationally rare habitat type particularly rich in orchid species such as Pyramidal, Common Spotted, Fragrant and Bee Orchid and most importantly large numbers of Dark Red Helleborines. Amongst the many other plants that flourish on the thin limestone soils are Blue Moor Grass,Moonwort, Autumn Gentian and Fairy Flax.

The scrub and woodland habitats present on site attract birds from the surrounding farmland.

Also a number of tracks and footpaths around the reserve.