Betchworth Quarry and Lime Kilns
| Betchworth Quarry and Lime Kilns | |
|---|---|
 | |
 | |
| Type | Nature reserve |
| Location | Betchworth, Surrey |
| OS grid | TQ198511 |
| Area | 27 hectares (67 acres) |
| Managed by | Surrey Wildlife Trust |
Betchworth Quarry and Lime Kilns is a 27-hectare (67-acre) nature reserve north of Betchworth in Surrey. Betchworth Quarry only is managed by Surrey Wildlife Trust.[1] It is part of the Mole Gap to Reigate Escarpment Site of Special Scientific Interest[2] and Special Area of Conservation.[3]
This chalk downlands site is part of the
Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It has a rich variety of flowering plants, including orchids. The lime kilns house a variety of bat species, such as the whiskered, Natterer's, brown long-eared, Brandt's and Daubenton's.[1]
History
Chalk has been quarried on a small scale in the area around Dorking since at least the 1600s. In 1865 the Dorking Greystone Lime Company was incorporated to open a large quarry at Betchworth. A
standard gauge siding was laid from Betchworth railway station to the lime kilns built at the foot of the North Downs escarpment. [4][5]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Betchworth Quarry and Lime Kilns.
References
- ^ a b "Betchworth Quarry and Lime Kilns". Surrey Wildlife Trust. Retrieved 29 November 2018.
- ^ "Designated Sites View: Mole Gap to Reigate Escarpment". Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Natural England. Retrieved 9 November 2018.
- ^ "Designated Sites View: Mole Gap to Reigate Escarpment". Special Areas of Conservation. Natural England. Retrieved 28 October 2018.
- ^ Lime, Harry (July 2001). "The Dorking Greystone Lime Company and its railway - a tale of four gauges". Railway Bylines. pp. 350–354.
- JSTOR 40968664.
51°15′32″N 0°15′36″W / 51.259°N 0.260°W
