Horseshoe Quarry

Horseshoe is a large and very popular limestone quarry near Stoney Middleton in the heart of the Peak District. Quick drying with a good spread of mid-grade sport routes. Acquired from Tarmac Aggregates in 2005 and now closely managed by the BMC.

Site management

Wildlife pond recently improved and now home to a large colony of newts; climbs on the BMC owned section of the crag re-equipped with new bolts in 2019; ongoing woodland management work including clearance of trees next to the A623; approach path resurfaced, parking area improved, and invasive species removed.

Rewilding success

Over the years there has been a great deal of rewilding work at Horseshoe Quarry including footpath improvement, ecological surveys, woodland management and control of invasive species. So much so that this former quarry has become a highly reputable recreational and environmental asset.

In 2007 the Vision Project funded the creation of a wildlife pond to the south of the quarry floor, which is now teaming with hundreds of newts and toad tadpoles. The May 2024 survey of the pond by the Derbyshire Amphibian & Reptile Group counted 241 smooth newts, 14 great crested newts and thousands of toad tadpoles. The disused quarry is obviously an ideal location for amphibians with a good pond for breeding and excellent terrestrial habitat with its loose rock piles providing a mass of resting and hibernating locations for them.

Little is known about reptiles in the area - a single grass snake was seen in the quarry in 2009 by Henry Folkard, but they range quite widely so it was probably just assessing the location. Slow-worms and common lizards could be present in or near the quarry but they are often difficult to spot. If anyone sees a reptile then please report it to the BMC and the PDNPA ecologists.

The initial pond work was funded by Derbyshire Aggregates Levy Grant Scheme (DALGS), which also funded the woodland walkway and link to the PROW down the Dale to the east. The recent pond renovation was funded via FiPL (Farming in Protected Landscapes).

Help us care for Horseshoe Quarry

Take care when at the site to not disturb the boulders and rock piles in the old quarry as that could result in hiding amphibians being crushed or buried. Also by not introducing any plants or animals into the pond. Thank you.