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Nearest
town: Clitheroe
Grid reference: SD 758 427, Landranger 103,
Explorer OL41
Salthill
Quarry is designated a SSSI by virtue of its geological
formations. It also has great botanical interest as
it displays a mixture of vegetation from the earliest
stages of soil development on limestone, from limestone
grassland, which is rare in Lancashire, through to
woodland.
Betony (Stachys officinalis), which grows in abundance
at Salthill, is a popular source of nectar for bees
such as the Red-tailed Bumblebee. Photo by Andy Walker
At
the southeast corner of the reserve, the soil is at
its earliest stage of development and supports a sparse
vegetation of plants well adapted to the harsh conditions.
Bee Orchid, Carline Thistle and Milkwort can be seen
growing here in June. You can see Autumn Gentian (or
Felwort) flowering later in the year in August and
September. On the more established soils you will
be able to see Cowslips in the spring. The summer
sees a colourful display of plants such as Bird's-foot-trefoil,
Wild Strawberry, Common Knapweed, Lady's Bedstraw,
Scabious and Agrimony. You may also see the delicate
blue flowers of Harebell growing on the shallower
soils and edges of exposed rocks.
Grassland
is not the only habitat you can see on the reserve.
Ash and Hawthorn trees dominate the woodland. At the
edge of the wood and invading the grassland are numerous
wild roses; Dog-rose, Field-rose and Sweet-briar.
Robin's Pin-cushion Galls caused by a Gall Wasp on
wild rose are most apparent in September.
Among
the butterflies, Painted Ladies are at their peak
number in summer having migrated here in spring from
northern Africa. Unmistakable is the common blue,
which is usually seen flying on hot summer days. Other
insects to look out for in summer are Common Green
and Field Grasshoppers and the distinctive Red and
Black Six-spot Burnet Moth.
If
you are keen to see birds you can easily recognise
Blue Tits and Great Tits, but there are also Whitethroats,
Linnets and Goldfinches. While a visit in summer keeps
you busy looking at the butterflies and flora, if
you stay until twilight you can hear the swifts and
you may glimpse the Pipistrelle Bats that roost in
the area. The Kestrel also makes use of the reserve
for feeding on the Wood Mice and voles.
Fossilized
rocks are abundant in several areas of the reserve.
The fossilised tubes that look like stacks of polo
mints are parts of Crinoids (sea lillies) and are
understood to be 340 million years old. Those lying
loose on the ground may be collected but hammering
rock faces or removing large pieces of rock is STRICTLY
FORBIDDEN without written permission from the Trust.
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