The site is listed in the 'Forest of Dean Local Plan Review' as a Key Wildlife Site (KWS).[3]
Stenders Quarry is situated west of Mitcheldean and is on the south side of the Drybrook road. The site was known formerly as the Wilderness Cement Work Quarry. The Quarry, which was gradually extended during the second half of the nineteenth century, provided material for the cement works. Scully Grove Quarry SSSI which is situated to the north also provided material for the cement works.. The remains of an overhead tramway, which was built to carry the limestone across the road, can be seen on the eastern side of Stenders Quarry. Working stopped in 1918 and the Quarry became derelict.[4] The site is regularly used by geological students.[5]
The dip of the quarry is steep and shows a wide range of rock types. There are exposures of fossiliferous Lower Carboniferouslimestoneshales. Their junctions with the Old Red Sandstone and with part of the Lower Dolomite formation are visible. There are fossils in the rocks such as sea lilies, water fleas and shellfish.[5]
Great spotted woodpecker, goldcrest and numerous scrub-loving birds may be seen on the reserve. The site is sheltered and relatively sunny and such conditions encourage various grassland butterflies, notably the marbled white. The site hosts various species of snails.[5]
Conservation
Regular scrub clearance is undertaken to maintain the grassy banks and rock exposures.[5]
Publications
Kelham, A, Sanderson, J, Doe, J, Edgeley-Smith, M, et al, 1979, 1990, 2002 editions, 'Nature Reserves of the Gloucestershire Trust for Nature Conservation/Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust'
'Where to see Wildlife in the Forest of Dean', January 2012, Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust
^ abcdefKelham, A, Sanderson, J, Doe, J, Edgeley-Smith, M, et al, 1979, 1990, 2002 editions, 'Nature Reserves of the Gloucestershire Trust for Nature Conservation/Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust'