Nature

Quarr Abbey is blessed with a beautiful and nationally important natural environment. Undoubtedly, the subtle and caring use of this land over the years has contributed to the diverse variety of flora and fauna that resides here. More recently the team have been re-wilding areas of the estate and gardens to create even more valuable habitats for wildlife.

A whole plethora of species can be seen at Quarr. From rare bats and orchids to the more common robins and rabbits. The Abbey has been working with a number of organisations and societies for many years, building up an informative picture of what species call Quarr Abbey their home.

Within the public areas, where visitors are welcome to enjoy their surroundings, we have provided the woodland walk and the wildlife hide. There are several squirrel feeders around these areas so always be prepared to see our very handsome Red Squirrels.

Please also enjoy the interpretation boards that we have placed around the site for information on the wildlife that lives on the Quarr estate.

Within the private sanctuary, where the Monks seek silence and solitude, there are semi natural woodlands, parkland, and ponds. The estate has several conservation designations to help protect the local environment, these include Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC), Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAM), Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and RAMSAR (an international wetland designation).

In addition, a wildflower meadow has been created to provide a pollen and nectar source for our many beehives. This area also creates a great foraging ground for many other faunae.

From a Child of Quarr

From March until May, we frolic and play
Amongst long grass, daffodils and bird song.
We walk in the woods, the Piglets are born
And we count baby bunnies hopping along.

From June to September the place comes alive,
Pushchairs and parents, and bees in the hive.
Then coffee and cake a thousand times over,
Squirrels a scurrying and dogs play in the clover.

In Autumn we notice the colour of the trees.
From green to yellow, orange and red ruby.
They frame the Abbey like the clouds in the sky.
Brother Duncan paints on…. and now we know why.

And finally – Winter, where we come to share
And Christmas carols fill the air.
Roasting pork with an apple of Cox or Crabby.
Lighting fires and chopping wood,
Through the seasons of Quarr Abbey.

Many thanks to Kelly & Eden.

Many thanks to Christian Beasley for use of the squirrel photographs.