Description
Arclid Quarry is an active sand quarry. A circular route following public footpaths goes around the sand quarry and adjacent fields. Οχθοχελίδονο breed in the sand quarry every year with more than hundred active nest holes used. Other hurindines (Λευκοχελίδονο, σταβλοχελίδονο) are present as well. This and abundance of (Κοινή) Καρδερίνα attracts various raptors: Δεντρογέρακο is common here during the summer, Βραχοκιρκίνεζο and (Κοινή) Γερακίνα also breed in the area and are present all year round.
The sand quary banks and fields attract large groups of corvids ((Σταχτιά) Κουρούνα, Χαβαρόνι, (Ευρωπαϊκή) Κάργια, (Κοινή) Καρακάξα, (Κοινός) Κόρακας). They and adjacent fields provide nesting grounds to (Ευρωπαϊκή) Καλημάνα, Canada Goose).
The flooded area of the quarry (marked with a star) is best observed with a scope: Μαυροκέφαλη Πάπια, Σταχτόχηνα, Ποταμοσφυριχτής, (Κοινή) Φαλαρίδα, Αρκοπετείναρο, Σκουφοβουτηχτάρι, (Κοκκινόλαιμο) Νανοβουτηχτάρι 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 (Ευρωπαϊκός) Στρειδοφάγος, Θαμνοτσιροβάκος, Σταχτομυγοχάφτης, (Κοινό) Ξεφτέρι or even Καλαμόκιρκος.
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.


