Things to do in Ryhall, Rutland

An old quarry now transformed into a wildflower haven

Bloody Oaks Quarry is one of the best places in Leicestershire and Rutland to enjoy a spot of wildflower hunting or butterfly watching. Most of this tiny reserve is species-rich limestone grassland, which is rare in the two counties, making it a real gem for Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust.

Ketton Quarry is very much still a working limestone site, but parts of the area have been reclaimed by nature. Grassland, scrub and woodland are starting to creep back in, making the most of the hills and holes formed by extraction. This makes it an excellent site for butterflies, moths, wildflowers and reptiles, so a summer visit is a must!

A small wildflower meadow.

One of the last remnants of the ancient Rockingham Forest, noted for its amazing woodland flora including carpets of bluebells and wild garlic.

Merry’s Meadows is one of the most diverse and flower-rich grasslands in Leicestershire and Rutland – a must visit for budding botanists, casual naturalists or anyone wanting to experience the sights, smells and sounds of a meadow in full bloom. With some rare and interesting flower species in the spring and summer, and fungi in the autumn, a few visits may be required!