A newly restored area of Mountsorrel Quarry is now open for residents to visit, providing a new space to view the quarry and learn more about its geology, history and restoration.
Located off Kinchley Lane, Mountsorrel Quarry View includes a purpose-built viewing platform and a series of information boards. These explain Tarmac’s operations at Mountsorrel, the unique geology of the area and Charnwood Forest, along with how Mountsorrel Quarry View was restored. This new geosite has been developed as a partnership between Charnwood Forest Geopark and Tarmac.
The viewing point has been created as part of the quarry’s ongoing restoration programme and is designed to provide a unique opportunity for people to better understand the landscape and the work taking place on site. Tarmac will be looking at opportunities to promote the site as part of local guided walking trails and to work with local schools to offer occasional educational visits in the future.
The area is now open and available for people to visit at their convenience. Visitors can enjoy views inside the quarry and of the surrounding Charnwood Forest landscape. The site can be reached via a footpath off Kinchley Lane, which includes a steep slope and some uneven ground. As there is no car park, visitors are encouraged to arrive on foot via the local rights of way.
The new view point looking over the quarry has been designed to replicate the shape and geology of the quarry itself. It was opened at an event on Friday 25 September, attended by local councillors.
Aaron Laycock, Operations Manager at Mountsorrel Quarry, said:
“This new viewing point provides an opportunity for local people to better understand the quarry, its history and how the site is being restored. We hope it will be an educational space for the community to engage with the landscape and learn more about the role the quarry plays locally.”
Dr Jack Matthews, Charnwood Forest Geopark’s Geoheritage Officer, said:
“Mountsorrel Quarry is one of Charnwood Forest’s geological wonders. The Geopark and Tarmac have worked together to make this fantastic story accessible, allowing visitors to understand the geological history of Mountsorrel, as well as how the rock here is processed and used across the UK. Through additional interpretation, people can also explore the biodiversity stories of this site, and learn more about the landscape of Charnwood Forest that dominates the skyline. As we continue our work towards UNESCO Global Geopark status for Charnwood Forest, this new geosite helps further promote our amazing geology to both residents and visitors.”
Mountsorrel Quarry View also includes an interpretation point with information on the biodiversity and restoration of the area, as well as the landscape of Charnwood Forest.
For more information on accessing the site, see our Mountsorrel Quarry View geosite page.