Mountsorrel Quarry helps make a meadow
Three-tonne granite marker heralds haven of natural beauty thanks to Tarmac donation
A THREE-tonne lump of Leicestershire granite now marks a tranquil wildflower meadow that, come spring, will be ablaze with colour to delight residents. The stone, donated by Tarmac’s Mountsorrel Quarry, carries a plaque explaining that Navins Wildflower Meadow is a public space, boasting dozens of organic wildflowers, for all to enjoy.
Located next to Christ Church, not far from the quarry, the meadow was the brainchild of members of the Mountsorrel Heritage Group – part of the Mountsorrel Museum & Heritage Trust – led by the late Ken Wiblin, the village’s wildlife heritage warden. The meadow has since been nurtured using organic and traditional methods into a small wildlife haven.
John Doyle, chairman of the trustees of the Mountsorrel Museum & Heritage Trust, said: ‘The meadow started as just a patch of land which was maintained by a small team of volunteers. During the pandemic, more people have been expressing their appreciation of the many varieties of flowers that bloom during spring and summer.
‘There were so many questions about the meadow that we decided to create an information board. Having obtained the necessary clearance from the local authorities, we approached Christ Church & St Peter’s Primary School to get the pupils involved in the design and artwork.’
Tarmac, who have strong links with the community, delivered the three-tonne stone as a plinth for the board.
Thanking the company on behalf of the heritage group, Mr Doyle said: ‘We could not have undertaken the work without the support of Mountsorrel Quarry, who carried out the initial rotavating, making it possible for us to weed and seed the site. This was followed by the provision of the boundary stones and now, of course, the site information board and stone.’
Mick Stevens, estates manager at Mountsorrel Quarry, said: ‘It has been a real team effort to transform this small patch of land into a lovely haven for flowers and wildlife for the enjoyment of everyone. We were happy to be able to play our part in supporting Mountsorrel Museum & Heritage Trust in their initiative.’
