Mansfield & Ashfield Local Members Group
Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust
Protecting Wildlife for the future
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QUARRY LANE WALKWAY LNR (SK533 602)
The river Maun flows from Kings Mill Reservoir through the Hermitage LNR and Oakham pLNR to Quarry Lane Walkway LNR. Here the river meanders through the reserve eventually entering Field Millpond. The Millpond contains eutrophic standing water (National and Local BAP Habitat) and attracts a w
ide variety of bird species including Great crested and Little Grebes, as well as breeding Mute Swan.
The area holds a thriving population of Water Voles both along the river and more surprisingly around the edge of the millpond, which is disturbed by fishermen as the millpond is well stocked with fish (ten species recorded).
As the river flows through the site it falls over a number of small rapids and waterfalls attracting Kingfishers and breeding Grey Wagtails. The river is flanked by mature woodland dominated by Ash (Fraxinus excelsior), Beech and Oak (Quercus robor), with some Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) which is non-native so is now being removed. This woodland provides breeding habitat for a number of Birds of Conservation 
Concern- Red listed species including Song Thrush, Spotted Flycatcher and Bullfinch.
The mature woodland and woodland edge coupled with the water attracts feeding Noctule, Daubentons, Brown long-eared and Pipistrelle spp Bats. These roost in tree holes, as well as the viaduct and stone work around the bridges over the Maun. There is also an annual maternity roost of between 30 and 40 pipistrelle bats in the roof space of an adjoining property.
Other habitats of note on this site include areas of improved and semi-improved grassland which provide small open ‘meadow’ areas between the trees and scrub which is a haven for invertebrates most noticeably butterflies with several species being recorded for example Meadow Brown, Common Blue, Small Copper, and Brimstone.
Along the southern edge of the site there are frequent limestone exposure which provides a rare and highly fragmented habitat.
The site has flat, well maintained footpaths that makes the area accessible to all.
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