Collyweston Quarries

About the reserve

In June, the grassland is aglow with the golden-yellow flowers of common rockrose, common bird's-foot-trefoil and dyer's greenweed - once gathered to produce a yellow dye. This colourful display continues with pinks and purples when the pyramidal orchid, greater knapweed, wild thyme and clustered bellflower come into flower. Glow-worms can be seen in the longer grass at dusk or night time in June, when the females glow green to attract mates. Reptiles such as common lizard bask in the sun on the bare ground and dry stone walls.