• dew pond at Hoe Grange Farm
    hoe grange blog posts

Browse through our blog posts to find out what life is like at Hoe Grange Holidays along with some great ideas for days out in the Peak District.

Butterflies at Hoe Grange Quarry

July 10, 2023
July 10, 2023 - Butterflies at Hoe Grange Quarry
-Older

Did you know we have a nature reserve for butterflies and wildlife right on our doorstep? Hoe Grange Quarry used to belong to our farm but was sold off many moons ago for quarrying. Take a short walk from your log cabin or glamping pod and you will discover a peaceful haven brimming with wildlife. A fabulous idea for a car free day out - take a picnic with you!

Hoe Grange Quarry Butterfly Reserve

The quarry was disused in the 1970's and over the years has returned to it's natural state; a short limestone grassland rich in flowers. This makes it an ideal nature reserve, particularly for butterflies and moths.  Longcliffe Quarries who now own the quarry work together with The Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and  Butterfly Conservation to maintain and improve the site.

Hoe Grange QuarryHoe Grange wild nature reserve

Fluttering butterflies make you think of sunshine, warmth, and meadows full of colourful wildflowers teaming with life. However butterflies are fragile which makes them quick to react to change, so their struggle to survive is a serious warning about our environment.

To date volunteers have recorded 28 species of butterflies at Hoe Grange Quarry. A real success story!

Red Admiral butterflesMeadow Brown butterflies

This is fantastic news as areas rich in butterflies and moths are also rich in other invertebrates. These collectively provide a wide range of environmental benefits, including pollination and natural pest control.

Also moths and butterflies are an important element of the food chain and are prey for birds, bats and other insectivorous animals.

Hoe Grange Quarry

The quarry covers 4.75 hectares made up mainly of unimproved grassland that hasn't been reseeded, fertilised or drained. Whilst less 'productive' the soil here supports a huge range of species. There are over 150 species of plants and you will see many thriving flowers including green-winged orchid, snake's head fritillary, bird's-foot trefoil and pasque flower.

Wild orchid Wild Orchid

The dew pond at the site entrance has been restored providing a haven for water species.   The quarry boundaries have taller grasses and woodland. The varied habitats are home to a wide range of insects, which are in turn prey for birds and mammals.

Birds of prey, such as barn owls and kestrels can be found hunting along the margins and adders slither through the grass. Keep your eyes peeled and you'll be amazed what you will find.

Amongst the butterflies are some BAP species (Biodiversity Action Plan) which are conservation priorities because of their rarity and rate of decline. These include the Dingy Skipper, the Wall Brown, and Small Heath.

It’s also fantastic to see that there are some local species including Dark Green Fritillary  and the Peak District version of Brown Argus. The most prevalent species is a large colony of Common Blues due to its food plant, Bird's-foot-trefoil, colonising the entire quarry floor.

Hoe Grange Nature reserve

Join the Big Butterfly Count

The Big Butterfly Count is a UK-wide survey aimed at helping us assess the health of our environment simply by counting the amount and type of butterflies.

butterfly identificationDownload the identification chart and get involved between 14th July and 6th August.  Spend just 15 mins watching for butterflies in your chosen spot, record the species you see and upload on the interactive map. Remember it's just as important to record if you don't see any butterflies.

Take a walk on the wild side

Why not leave the car behind at your cabin or glamping pod and take a short walk to Hoe Grange Quarry? You can explore the different levels and habitats. It's a peaceful, quiet site and you'll be amazed what you will find if you look hard enough! The quarry is also home to a large population of moths.

Lattice Heath Moth

Fifteen fascinating facts about Butterflies
  1. It is estimated that there are about 24,000 species of butterflies, and they are found on every continent except Antarctica.
  2. Butterflies are not just attractive colourful insects, but valuable pollinators of plants, fruit and vegetables.
  3. I love the fact that a group of butterflies is sometimes called a flutter.
  4. Butterflies vary in size from a tiny 1/8 inch to the largest species reaching a massive 12 inches across. Females are larger than males and also live longer!
  5. Butterflies eyes are made of 6,000 lenses and can see ultraviolet light. They rely on their eyesight for vital tasks, like searching for mates of the same species and finding flowers to feed on.
  6. Butterfly wings move in a figure of 8 motion and the top butterfly flight speed is 12 miles per hour, which is slow compared to some moths that can fly 25mph!
  7. Butterflies are cold blooded and air temperature has a big impact on their ability to function. They cannot fly if their body temperature is less than 86 degrees.
  8. Butterflies and insects have their skeletons on the outside of their bodies, called the exoskeleton, to protect them and keep water inside their bodies so they don’t dry out.
  9. Butterflies have taste receptors on their feet so they can find out whether the leaf is good enough food for their caterpillars before they lay their eggs on the leaf with special glue.
  10. A butterfly’s life cycle is made up of four parts, egg, larva (caterpillars), pupa (chrysalis) and adult.The process by which a caterpillar magically transforms into a butterfly is completed in 10 to 15 days, depending on the species.
  11. The story of the Very Hungry Catarpillar is true to life as from hatching to pupation, a caterpillar increases its body size 30,000 times!
  12. Fully grown caterpillars attach themselves to a suitable twig or leaf before shedding their outside layer of skin to reveal a hard skin underneath known as a chrysalis.
  13. An adult butterfly will eventually emerge from the chrysalis where it will wait a few hours for its wings to fill with blood and dry, before flying for the first time.
  14. Adult butterflies only feed on liquids, usually nectar and can live from between just one week and a year, depending on the species.
  15. Despite popular belief, butterfly wings are clear – the colors and patterns we see are made by the reflection of the tiny scales covering them.The Painted Lady is the most commonly found butterfly in the world.

cut flowers for guests

We hope you have enjoyed our fascinating facts about butterflies. Here at Hoe Grange Holidays we encourage the butterflies and bees by growing flowers in the gardens - it's a win, win - butterflies thrive on the nectar before the flowers are cut, then our holiday guests can enjoy the vibrant scented blooms in their log cabins!

Why not make space in your garden for butterflies and bees by planting flowers to create a pollinators paradise?

Felicity

garden flowers

in the press

our farm

our environment

View our accommodation...

Contact us or book direct online to avoid disappointment

Hoe Grange Holidays Tripadvisor Comments...

  • star rating  We have just returned from a short stay in one of the pods on site at Hoe Grange Holidays. We couldn’t recommend them enough. The pod has everything you could... read more

    Catboy86
    August 17, 2019

    star rating  It's been three years since we last visited but once we arrived it certainly didn't feel like it!
    We stayed in Hipley again which had had a refurbished wet... read more

    ElizabethA717
    September 21, 2019

    star rating  Second visit to the accessible holiday cabins at Hoe Grange. David and Felicity were as helpful and friendly as ever. We had a welcome pack of freshly baked bread, butter,... read more

    Charlotte M
    August 7, 2019
  • star rating  We love this place. Very wheelchair friendly, really well equipped and comfortable, with easy access by car to lots of places of interest particularly Crich Tramway Village, Chatsworth, Bakewell and... read more

    David H
    October 25, 2019

    star rating  Felicity and David made us feel very welcome right from our booking. The pods are well equipped and spotlessly clean. The area is very peaceful with great views and we... read more

    Adventurer_12121
    January 30, 2020

    star rating  lovely surroundings real farm country with chickens paying you a visit nice decking area to chill at the end of the day accommodation very good plenty to do nearby... read more

    vincent s
    July 28, 2019
  • star rating  A beautiful place to stay! Amazingly run family business! Everyone were very welcoming, friendly and cozy! The skylark pod we stayed in was very clean, cozy and well equipped! The... read more

    sophiee249
    January 2, 2020

    star rating  We stayed in Skylark, one of the two glamping pods available at Hoe Grange in February 2020.

    Felicity & David welcomed us when we arrived to show us around... read more

    HelenLCarter
    February 6, 2020

    star rating  Myself and my sister travelled to Costa Rica and Panama via Viva Holidays Ltd. The holiday was exceptional and one to be treasured forever. Andrew at Viva Holidays... read more

    Paula C
    July 4, 2019
  • star rating  For the second year running, we have had a great family holiday at Hoe Grange. We had one cabin for the week, for two sisters and our elderly wheelchair-using... read more

    EJYork2013
    June 25, 2019

    star rating  We've just returned from our second visit to Hoe Grange. The suggested riding routes with stunning scenery were enjoyed by my daughter and I while the menfolk were delighted with... read more

    Jdrichie12
    July 11, 2019

    star rating  We wanted a complete break and some peace and quiet and this was perfect. The caravan was secluded with beautiful views over the countryside. Everything was spotlessly clean and well... read more

    joanne B
    June 4, 2019
  • star rating  We stayed in Pinder cabin and had a lovely stay, the cabin was spacious and comfortable, nice and warm after cold days out. The children loved meeting the animals and... read more

    Tiggywinkle15
    November 5, 2019

    star rating  Lovely place to holiday near to interesting locations and easy access to the High Peak trail and Carsington Water. Part of a working farm with fresh produce to enjoy during... read more

    Angie B
    August 3, 2019

    star rating  On arriving at Hoe Grange in a downpour, we doubted if we’d made the right decision to go glamping, but after the warm welcome from David and a quick tour,... read more

    karenmD4738KD
    June 25, 2019
  • star rating  We stayed for a night in one of the cabins . The cabin was spotless and very well equipped , lots of extra touches were added like fresh eggs and... read more

    Ajtravels14
    February 3, 2020

    star rating  We love this place. Very wheelchair friendly, really well equipped and comfortable, with easy access by car to lots of places of interest particularly Crich Tramway Village, Chatsworth, Bakewell and... read more

    dghiggs61
    October 25, 2019

    star rating  What a lovely weekend away! We stayed in the lovely gypsy caravan, which was a wonderful and really unique experience. We took along our two horses, who also had a... read more

    rachelthomas2015
    June 18, 2019
  • star rating  Stayed last week, from 6th to 13th September in the log cabin called Hipley. This was amazing, it was our first visit but certainly not our last. Gold standard disability... read more

    548julie
    September 14, 2019

    star rating  We stayed in Rainster cabin for a long weekend 6 th to 9 th September. This was my 5 th visit to the amazing Hoe Grange. I had visited before... read more

    Jan Horsman J
    September 17, 2019

    star rating  We stayed in the Skylark pod last October (2018) and had a lovely time. There was homemade, rustic goods (bread, biscuits etc) when we arrived. Felicity and David who run... read more

    KBarry
    September 15, 2019
  • star rating  Arrived and was shown to our pod, fantastic location and the pod was very good indeed plus we had home made bread and milk and tea and coffee. A... read more

    mickvfr
    July 28, 2019

    star rating  We spent four nights at Hoe Grange and had a lovely time. The location is fantastic and right next to the High Peak Trail. The cabin was very clean and... read more

    Big_Al_0000
    July 16, 2019

    star rating  What can I say?
    Absolutely superb!
    We have just returned from a family weekend staying in Daisybank cabin and the Skylark pod.
    It was our first trip away with my... read more

    Wheelieuser
    June 13, 2019
  • star rating  Another great holiday at Hoe Grange - such a great place for us all to holiday as a family - this time with a baby, a 3 yr old, a... read more

    Thesamps
    October 4, 2019

    star rating  We had a lovely time staying in one of the incredibly well equipped pods. I bought my pony along and we had some great rides on the high peak trail.... read more

    plopster1
    June 7, 2019

    star rating  What a wonderful find. As our first experience of needing accessible accommodation we could not have wished for better. Beautiful well equipped lodges in lovely surroundings. We stayed in both... read more

    L9943KBlesleym
    April 3, 2020
  • star rating  Recently spent a week in "Pinder" and had a lovely time. The location is stunning - the site is nestled in a beautiful valley on the edge of the Peaks... read more

    Peachey167
    July 16, 2019

    star rating  Loved every minute of our stay, and so did the family and friends that came to stay. Excellent facilities in our cosy Hipley log cabin. By far the best... read more

    krimpenijssel
    October 25, 2019

    Join our mailing list