Bardon Hill
Selected Wild Place / Other Wild Places / Public Rights of Way / VC55 boundary
Total species seen at this site: 325
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 | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Blusher | Amanita rubescens | 21/09/2020 | Melinda Bell | |
Cherry Gall Wasp | Cynips quercusfolii | 21/09/2020 | Melinda Bell | |
Cola-nut Gall | Andricus lignicola | 21/09/2020 | Melinda Bell | |
Common Field Grasshopper | Chorthippus brunneus | 21/09/2020 | Melinda Bell | |
Common Lizard | Zootoca vivipara | 08/09/2020 | Melinda Bell | |
Fly Agaric | Amanita muscaria | 08/09/2020 | Melinda Bell | |
Brown Birch Bolete | Leccinum scabrum | 08/09/2020 | Melinda Bell | |
Redstart | Phoenicurus phoenicurus | 08/09/2020 | Melinda Bell | |
Milking Bonnet | Mycena galopus | 08/09/2020 | Melinda Bell | |
Common Frog | Rana temporaria | 08/09/2020 | Melinda Bell | |
Devil's-bit Scabious | Succisa pratensis | 08/09/2020 | Melinda Bell | |
Silk Button Gall Wasp | Neuroterus numismalis | 08/09/2020 | Melinda Bell | |
Smooth Spangle Gall | Neuroterus albipes | 08/09/2020 | Melinda Bell | |
Brown Rollrim | Paxillus involutus | 08/09/2020 | Melinda Bell | |
Common Earthball | Scleroderma citrinum | 08/09/2020 | Melinda Bell | |