Ivanhoe Trail, Ratby
In Ratby, the start is next to the Railway Pub, though the first stretch of line is then broken by a road that cuts across.
Total species seen at this site: 104
This stretch of disused railway line runs between Ratby and Glenfield. Though the original line is broken by an industrial estate a connecting path joins up the two parts. For most of its length it runs parallel with the Rothley Brook and the section that flows under the motorway is included in this site. Much of it is shaded by overhanging trees but in places there is a grassy flora and the bordering field margins add further interest.
The shady areas and rough borders provide habitat for a range of wildflowers and invertebrates. Greater Burnet Saxifrage grows near the motorway bridge as does a patch of Reeds. Common Valerian grows along the track where it borders the grazing fields. The brook adds further interest and supports a number of specialist water plants such as Water Speedwell, Water Crowfoot and Water Starwort. Banded Agrions flit along the brook in the summer months.
Latest records
| Common Name | Latin Name | Date Recorded | Recorded By | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Box Bug | Gonocerus acuteangulatus | 25/05/2019 | David Nicholls | |
| Eriophyes similis | 17/09/2018 | David Nicholls | ||
| Pied Wagtail | Motacilla alba | 14/01/2018 | G D McPhail | |
| Robin | Erithacus rubecula | 14/01/2018 | G D McPhail | |
| Song Thrush | Turdus philomelos | 14/01/2018 | G D McPhail | |
| Bank Vole | Clethrionomys glareolus | 10/07/2017 | David Nicholls | |
| Large-flowered Evening-primrose | Oenothera glazioviana | 10/07/2017 | David Nicholls | |
| Rose campion | Silene coronaria | 20/06/2017 | David Nicholls | |
| Perforate St John's-wort | Hypericum perforatum | 20/06/2017 | David Nicholls | |
| Hard Rush | Juncus inflexus | 20/06/2017 | David Nicholls | |
| Ragged-Robin | Silene flos-cuculi | 24/05/2017 | David Nicholls | |
| Soft-rush | Juncus effusus | 24/05/2017 | David Nicholls | |
| Common Reed | Phragmites australis | 24/05/2017 | David Nicholls | |
| Grey Wagtail | Motacilla cinerea | 24/05/2017 | David Nicholls | |
| Song Thrush | Turdus philomelos | 01/02/2017 | David Nicholls | |
