Paradise Spinney

Wood, Forest in Leicestershire Blaby

England

Paradise Spinney

Borehole drilling, Croft Quarry If I remember correctly, this borehole is a couple of hundred metres deep. — Borehole drilling, Croft Quarry Credit: TCExplorer

Paradise Spinney, located in Leicestershire, is a captivating woodland area known for its natural beauty and tranquility. Spanning across a vast area, the spinney is characterized by dense tree cover, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere for visitors to enjoy.

The woodland is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, making it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. Tall, majestic oak trees dominate the landscape, intermingled with other native species like birch, beech, and spruce. The forest floor is adorned with a rich carpet of moss, ferns, and wildflowers, adding to the enchanting ambiance of the spinney.

Walking through Paradise Spinney, one can witness the harmonious symphony of birdsong, with a variety of avian species calling it their home. The woodpecker's rhythmic tapping, the melodious warble of blackbirds, and the distinctive hooting of owls create a melodic backdrop to the woodland experience.

Visitors can explore the spinney through a network of well-maintained walking trails that wind through the forest, providing an opportunity to immerse oneself in nature and take in the scenic beauty. The trails lead to hidden clearings and secluded ponds, offering picturesque spots for picnics or quiet contemplation.

Paradise Spinney is a popular destination for nature walks, photography, and family outings. With its serene atmosphere, diverse flora and fauna, and scenic trails, it truly lives up to its name, providing a slice of paradise for those seeking solace in the heart of Leicestershire.

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Paradise Spinney Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.549241/-1.2462479 or Grid Reference SP5194. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Borehole drilling, Croft Quarry

If I remember correctly, this borehole is a couple of hundred metres deep.

TCExplorer

Croft Quarry

One of the largest holes in the UK, Croft Quarry is no longer actively being extracted and is set to be infilled with inert waste as part of restoration plans.

TCExplorer

Groundwater monitoring borehole

A c. 250 m deep groundwater monitoring borehole - in place as part of baseline monitoring for the future landfill. See also SP5196 : Borehole drilling, Croft Quarry.

TCExplorer

Croft Hill from within Croft Quarry

Taken from within the quarry void of Croft Quarry via a drone. The quarry will ultimately be infilled with inert waste as part of its restoration now that excavation has ceased. Note that this is a full 360 degree panorama / photosphere, so click the link below for the full image.

TCExplorer

Bridleway across the River Soar

The bridleway runs from Croft to Sapcote (ahead)

Tim Heaton

Sopers Bridge

Listed Grade II. "Footbridge. Late C18. Random granite rubble with stone dressings. 4 plain round arches. On the upstream side, a central cutwater and at each end, a curved retaining wall. C19 iron handrail with a pair of iron gateposts at each end." Link

It now bridges nothing - the River Soar has altered course, and is crossed by a new bridge SP5094 : Bridleway across the River Soar

Tim Heaton

War memorial, corner of Huncote Road and Station Road, Croft

Tim Heaton

Church of St Michael and All Angels, Croft

Late 14th century tower, the remainder rebuilt in the late 19th century using granite from the nearby Croft Quarry

Tim Heaton

Footpath to Croft

Passing beneath the Birmingham to Peterborough cross-country line.

Tim Heaton

Stonebridge Cottage along Stanton Lane

Mat Fascione

Stanton Lane at Potters Marston

Mat Fascione

Cyclists along Stanton Lane

Close to the junction with Pingle Lane.

Mat Fascione

View towards Low Spinney Wind Farm

The four 125m high turbines are six miles distant. The houses in the distance are part of Broughton Astley, and on the horizon, between the turbines, is the spire of All Saints Church in Dunton Bassett.

Mat Fascione

Stanton Lane at Potters Marston

Mat Fascione

Stoney Cove national dive centre

Stoney Cove is a disused granite quarry. While quarrying took place the water had continually to be pumped away. However, after the workings ceased in 1958 the water was allowed to fill the massive hole left after 150 years of quarrying. It took 5 years to flood the area completely. Stoney Cove was first used for commercial dive training in the 1960's following the discovery of oil in the North Sea. It has been operating as a public dive training facility since 1978 and has been much improved in recent years. Numerous attractions have been sunk, including a Wessex helicopter, Nautilus sub and the steam powered tugboat Stanegarth.

Lynne Kirton