Leicestershire Nature Reserve Damaged in Quarry Break-in, Rare Species at Risk

A Leicestershire nature reserve has reported damage to its rare orchids and wildflowers, attributed to thieves who gained unauthorized entry to an adjacent quarry site. The Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust stated that its Cloud Wood location, situated in Worthington, close to Ashby-de-la-Zouch, served as an entry point for individuals to reach Breedon Group’s Cloud Hill Quarry during Saturday night. According to Leicestershire Police, tools and cabling were stolen, and the event resulted in visible damage throughout the woodland area. The trust characterized the occurrence as a “disaster” for the indigenous wildlife at the site, noting that this incident, coupled with an attempted theft at Rutland Water in October, is expected to significantly affect its operational efforts. Entry was gained by damaging gates and fences at the reserve, with the vehicles involved creating deep ruts across the terrain. The trust described the aftermath as a “right mess,” expressing concern that it could adversely affect the rare orchids and wildflowers thriving at the location, as well as the rare butterflies that frequent the area to feed on these plants. The trust identified rare plant species at Cloud Hill as including the bee orchid, greater butterfly orchid, common-spotted orchid, early purple orchid, solomon’s seal, and herb-robert, alongside observed butterfly species such as the rare purple emperor, white-letter hairstreak, and the silver-washed fritillary. A spokesperson characterized Cloud Wood as containing some of Leicestershire’s most botanically diverse trackways, referred to as rides. The spokesperson further stated: “The damage caused by the vehicle ruts may have affected many of the wildflower and orchid species that grow here.” They continued: “It is especially heart-breaking that some of the worst affected rides are the ones in front of a memorial bench, which in warmer months has the most spectacular views of the wildflowers and the butterflies that feed on them.” Leicestershire Police confirmed that the incident, involving the theft of tools and copper cables during a burglary around 23:00 GMT on Saturday, was reported to them on Monday. The police force is currently investigating the matter and has requested that anyone possessing relevant information come forward. Breedon Group declined to provide a comment when contacted by the BBC. For updates, BBC Leicester can be followed on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or by WhatsApp at 0808 100 2210. This content is copyrighted by BBC 2024, with all rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites and provides information regarding its policy on external linking.