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 | Ardeer Quarry LNR | by Iain Hamlin

Ardeer Quarry Local Nature Reserve contains a mix of wetland, woodland, scrub, and grassland habitats.  Various improvements are constantly being made to the site to improve it for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife.

Getting there...

Those with a car can park in the small car park at the end of Moorpark Road East. Pedestrian/cycle access can also be had at the other end of the grounds, at the very bottom of Dubbs Road/Highfield Drive.  If travelling by bus, one should alight near Hawkhill Cemetery (on Kilwinning Road): Ardeer Quarry is just a short walk down Dubbs Road.  If travelling by train, one should alight at Stevenston Station and walk up Station Road before turning right into Moorpark Road East.  The Cunninghame Cycleway runs through the site.

Butterflies

Meadow Brown, Green-veined White, Large White, Small White, Orange Tip, Small Tortoiseshell, and Peacock are common across the site.  The wildflower rich grassland near the railway line at the south of the site contains small numbers of Common Blue, Small Heath, and Small Copper during sunny weather.  The occasional Grayling can sometimes be seen.  Ringlet can be found in the grassland adjacent to the southernmost of the two plantations.

Dragonflies

The small pond on the reserve (NS275418) supports Common Darter, Common Hawker, Four-spotted Chaser, and Azure, Emerald, Common Blue, Large Red, and Blue-tailed Damselflies.

Text & Photo © Iain Hamlin

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