This former limestone quarry supports wildflower-rich grassland, marshy grassland and mixed woodland, while the Bow Lee beck flows nearby.

Seasonal highlights

There are invertebrates to be found every month of the year at Bowlees Quarry. In spring, Vestal’s cuckoo bee and bilberry bumblebee queens can be seen emerging, with new males and females following in summer. Golden-ringed dragonflies hunt for riverflies over the beck from May to October, while blotch-winged hoverflies feed on devil’s-bit scabious in late summer and autumn. During winter, look out for silvery December moths.

• Car parking: Bowlees Visitor Centre, Newbiggin, Barnard Castle, DL12 0XE
• Grid Reference: NY 9066428130
• Survey route length: 0.39 miles
• Terrain: the route follows a bare track with some steps, damp areas and uneven surfaces.