Many of the Juniper trees are now 10 years old and have become well established on the southern faces of the quarry, although rabbits remain a problem. A recent wildflower survey has identified a large number of species and highlighted the need to introduce a grazing regime on the grassy areas of the quarry to maintain and further improve this diversity.

Little, tawny and barn owls all appear to be thriving in and around the
quarry and 2008 saw our first oystercatchers successfully nest on the
living roof of the eco-classroom. Jackdaw numbers, however, are posing a
threat to our nesting waders and may need management in the future. The
visiting otter are still more content to eat the fish in the river and
ponds than use the otter holt that has been provided for them!

The partnership between the Harehope Quarry Project and Frosterley Angling
Club appears to be going from strength to strength with fishing tuition
taking place in the quarry and the anglers keeping a watchful eye over the
place at dawn and dusk. The fishing club have reported regular sightings of
otter and possibly even water vole!

The project continues to maintain the bird hide and pond dipping platform, which is a battle with the higher river levels we now seem to suffer. The walks leaflets, story trails and sticker trail, which are available at the entrance to the quarry are very
popular with visitors and the permissive path network appears well used by
groups of walkers as well as individuals.

The project would love to hear of sightings from visitors, so if you hear or see anything unusual please contact us via our website. We are particularly keen to confirm sightings of the water vole!