Bardon Hill
Map key:
- Selected Wild Place = PINK
- Other Wild Places = RED
- Public Rights of Way = GREEN
- VC55 boundary = BLUE
Total species seen at this site: 281
Bardon Hill, near Coalville, is the highest point in Leicestershire, 278 metres (912 feet) above sea level. The hill has two very distinct faces – one half preserved as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), the other removed by Bardon Hill Quarry. It is also the site of a radio mast. Though it is the highest point in Leicestershire, it is easy to get to the top and the summit offers tremendous views across the county plus a dramatic vista over the adjacent quarry. The rocky outcrops at the summit are surrounded by overgrown heathland, which is being restored.
The trees near the summit attract Tree Pipits in summer and the area is one of the best spots for seeing passing migrants, such as Ring Ouzels in spring. Raptors such as Buzzard and Peregrine can often be seen circling the higher areas. There is a good invertebrate diversity, including a few rarities
| Common Name | Latin Name | Date Recorded | Recorded By | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Shieldbug | Palomena prasina | 04/11/2019 | David Nicholls | |
| Artichoke Gall Wasp | Andricus foecundatrix | 04/11/2019 | David Nicholls | |
| Cola-nut Gall | Andricus lignicola | 04/11/2019 | David Nicholls | |
| Oak Marble Gall Wasp | Andricus kollari | 04/11/2019 | David Nicholls | |
| Downy Birch | Betula pubescens | 04/11/2019 | David Nicholls | |
| Butter Cap | Rhodocollybia butyracea | 04/11/2019 | David Nicholls | |
| Common Cat's-ear | Hypochaeris radicata | 04/11/2019 | David Nicholls | |
| Gorse | Ulex europaeus | 04/11/2019 | David Nicholls | |
| Ling | Calluna vulgaris | 04/11/2019 | David Nicholls | |
| Common Centaury | Centaurium erythraea | 04/11/2019 | David Nicholls | |
| Netted Slug | Deroceras reticulatum | 04/11/2019 | David Nicholls | |
| Cladonia rangiformis | 04/11/2019 | David Nicholls | ||
| Mouse-ear-hawkweed | Pilosella officinarum | 04/11/2019 | David Nicholls | |
| Russet Toughshank | Gymnopus dryophilus | 04/11/2019 | David Nicholls | |
| Hedgehog Slug | Arion intermedius | 04/11/2019 | David Nicholls | |