Beachville Tract (and Limestone Valley Trail)

• Open to Public: Yes
• Size: 38 ha (94 acres)
• Entry Fee: None
• Permitted Activities: Hiking, dogs-on-leash, fishing (all other activities prohibited)
• Facilities: None
• Address: 414725 Domtar Line, Ingersoll, across from the Beachville Museum
• Managers: UTRCA
• Trails: 2 km/ return, accessed from the Limestone Valley Trail
• Links: Oxford Trails Council, Carmeuse Lime

Beachville Tract

The Beachville Tract nature trail is located on the dyke that runs along the north side of the South Thames River (also called the Ingersoll Channel). This is an out-and-back trail. The trail is only accessible through the Limestone Valley Trail on Carmeuse Limestone Company property via Domtar Line (41st Line). From the trail there are lovely views of the river channel as well as the former river valley on the north side with its ponds, marshes, and reforested areas. The Thames River was channelized in 1951 in an attempt to protect Ingersoll and the upstream quarry from flooding. The trail is flat and dry with chip and dust in most places. This trail has become a popular birding hotspot in Oxford County, with 185 species recorded as of January 2022 on eBird (see Beachville Lime Ponds Trail).

Limestone Valley Trail

The Limestone Valley Trail was upgraded and re-launched in October 2020. The trail improvements were done in partnership with Carmeuse, the Beachville Museum and the UTRCA. The gravel trail goes through an old reclaimed mine property, in part, and kiln artifacts are showcased and incorporated with the nature trail. Informative museum didactics (signs) along the trail highlight and explain the local history of lime production in the area dating back to the 1800s. Bird and bat boxes were installed along the trail to help species in decline. At the heart of the trail is a garden sanctuary filled with pollinator-friendly plant species to support bees and butterflies. A leash-free dog park for small dogs is being planned.