Ratby, Ivanhoe Trail
Selected Wild Place / Other Wild Places / Public Rights of Way / VC55 boundary
In Ratby, the start is next to the Railway Pub, though the first stretch of line is then broken by a road that cuts across.
Site species count:
This stretch of disused railway line runs between Ratby and Glenfield. Though the original line is broken by an industrial estate a connecting path joins up the two parts. For most of its length it runs parallel with the Rothley Brook and the section that flows under the motorway is included in this site. Much of it is shaded by overhanging trees but in places there is a grassy flora and the bordering field margins add further interest.
The shady areas and rough borders provide habitat for a range of wildflowers and invertebrates. Greater Burnet Saxifrage grows near the motorway bridge as does a patch of Reeds. Common Valerian grows along the track where it borders the grazing fields. The brook adds further interest and supports a number of specialist water plants such as Water Speedwell, Water Crowfoot and Water Starwort. Banded Agrions flit along the brook in the summer months.
The records and images below may include those from adjacent sites if the grid reference submitted with these records overlaps the boundary of this Wild Place.
The latest images and records displayed below include those awaiting verification checks so we cannot guarantee that every identification is correct. Once accepted, the record displays a green tick.
In the Latest Records section, click on the header to sort A-Z, and again to sort Z-A. Use the header boxes to filter the list.