Hooe and Radford Lake’s rich biodiversity, as revealed in the March 1993 Planning Study
The Eastern shore of Hooe Lake
The limestone sea wall supports a significant population of the locally rare Sea Hard-grass and the Pointed Snail (Chochlicella acuta). The southwest-facing dry bank running alongside the road harbors the largest population of this snail within the city and is rich in a variety of invertebrates, some of which are uncommon both nationally and within Plymouth.
Note: This is one reason why developers’ plans to rebuild the limestone sea wall were opposed.
Radford Quarry
This area is one of the best wildlife sites in the city, providing a range of unusual microhabitats. A key indicator of this is the stand of Sea Club-rush, which points to the seepage of seawater from Hooe Lake into the quarry at high tide.
Note: This seepage highlights why the ingress of saltwater should not be prevented.
Among the wide variety of plants found on the quarry floor, the Pyramidal Orchid, Decumbent Toadflax, and Curtis’ Mouse-eared Chickweed are particularly noteworthy. The floor is also home to an impressive butterfly and spider population. The quarry face, with its many crevices and small caves, supports bats and cave spiders. Raptors, such as kestrels, frequently forage along the rock faces, with some nesting on the ledges. The top of the quarry supports a calcicolous flora, including a healthy population of Pyramidal Orchids.
Radford Lake
In addition to being of prime amenity value, Radford Lake is of considerable biological importance to the city. It supports a fascinating subtropical brackish water colonial worm species, along with breeding Mute Swans. It is the only site in the city where Dabchicks and Tufted Ducks breed. The lake also attracts a variety of birds, including the Kingfisher. At the southeastern end, an interesting mix of pond and riverine habitats has developed, with diverse associated flora.
Radford Park
Radford Park, while valued for its amenities, also features an arboretum created by the Radford Heritage Group, dedicated to calcicolous species. The park is connected via a network of paths to the Rookery and Ashery Wood. While these woodlands are not particularly rich in wildlife, they provide important foraging and breeding areas for birds.
RSPB Designation
In January 1986, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) designated Radford and Hooe Lake as one of only four sites in Devon for its Nation Wide Birdwatch ’86. Hundreds of people visited the area to observe some of the 83 bird species recorded as living there or passing through.
In Summary
The rich biodiversity of Hooe and Radford Lake, as highlighted, reflects the ecological importance of these areas within Plymouth. The unique microhabitats support a variety of rare and nationally significant species, from flora like the Pyramidal Orchid to fauna such as the Pointed Snail and diverse birdlife. These natural assets not only contribute to the city’s environmental value but also underscore the need for thoughtful conservation efforts. Protecting these habitats from overdevelopment and preserving their delicate ecosystems is crucial to maintaining the area’s ecological integrity for future generations
Julie,
i have a photo or two which you can use if you would like to get in touch with me. Pat
I would like to hear from anyone who has taken some wild life pictures on the lake as i am presently on an art and design corse and basing my summer study on the area…also in the hope it will bring peoples attention to the wild life we will lose if the quarry becomes a building site.