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Arclid Quarry

Cheshire  >  United Kingdom

Active sand quarry with a public footpath around the quarry and adjacent fields.

Added* by Anastasia Mochalova
Most recent update 30 januar 2026

Description

Arclid Quarry is an active sand quarry. A circular route following public footpaths goes around the sand quarry and adjacent fields. Digesvale breed in the sand quarry every year with more than hundred active nest holes used. Other hurindines (Bysvale, Landsvale) are present as well. This and abundance of Stillits attracts various raptors: Lærkefalk is common here during the summer, Tårnfalk and Musvåge also breed in the area and are present all year round.

The sand quary banks and fields attract large groups of corvids (Sortkrage, Råge, Allike, Husskade, Ravn). They and adjacent fields provide nesting grounds to Vibe, Canadagås).

The flooded area of the quarry (marked with a star) is best observed with a scope: Troldand, Grågås, Lille Præstekrave, Blishøne, Rørhøne, Toppet Lappedykker, Lille Lappedykker and other waterfowl are present there.

If time is limited, one can get to the viewpoints only, but the full circular route through the fields might provide an encounter with Strandskade, Tornsanger, Grå Fluesnapper, Spurvehøg or even Rørhøg.

Details

Access

Arclid Quarry is located northeast of Crewe, near the town of Sandbach. Park at the car park of St John the Evangelist's Church (click P on the map for directions) which is open during the day - there are posters displayed allowing considerate recreational use. It is also possible to get there by bus that connects Crewe and Macclesfield.

The footpaths are unpaved and there are several stiles and gates along the route. The circular route shown on the map is about 5 km.

Terrain and Habitat

Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , Agriculture , Pond

Conditions

Flat

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Summer

Route

Unpaved road

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

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