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Description
Arclid Quarry is an active sand quarry. A circular route following public footpaths goes around the sand quarry and adjacent fields. Sand Martin breed in the sand quarry every year with more than hundred active nest holes used. Other hurindines (House Martin, Barn Swallow) are present as well. This and abundance of European Goldfinch attracts various raptors: Eurasian Hobby is common here during the summer, Eurasian Kestrel and Common Buzzard also breed in the area and are present all year round.
The sand quary banks and fields attract large groups of corvids (Carrion Crow, Rook, Jackdaw, Magpie, Common Raven). They and adjacent fields provide nesting grounds to Northern Lapwing, Canada Goose).
The flooded area of the quarry (marked with a star) is best observed with a scope: Tufted Duck, Greylag Goose, Little Ringed Plover, Eurasian Coot, Eurasian Moorhen, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe 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 Eurasian Oystercatcher, Greater Whitethroat, Spotted Flycatcher, Sparrowhawk or even Western Marsh Harrier.
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.