About the reserve

Much of the reserve consists of flooded sand and gravel pits fringed by reeds, willows and alders. Other notable habitats include several islands and the grassland, scrub and woodland surrounding the pits.

The oldest part of the reserve (south of the bridleway) was acquired in 1991. Riverslea Pit (north of the bridleway) was purchased more recently in 2009; a small portion at the north end remains in private ownership.

Birds are the main wildlife interest. In spring and summer breeding birds typically include shelduck, oystercatcher, black-headed gull, cuckoo, and at least six warbler species, while hobby and hirundines can be seen overhead. Autumn and winter bring gatherings of water birds including shoveler, teal, goldeneye and lapwing. Along with a few snipe and water rail (the latter more often heard than seen), siskin in waterside alders, and sometimes an impressive starling roost but this is very unpredictable. Many species such as Egyptian goose, grey heron, little egret, kingfisher and green woodpecker can be seen at any time of year. Migrating birds like garganey and green sandpiper are more likely in spring and autumn, and recent rarities have included glossy ibis, black-winged stilt and whiskered tern.

The reserve is not renowned for its plant life, but as habitats have slowly matured after the cessation of industrial sand and gravel extraction, an interesting variety of plants have colonised or increased. Characteristic flowers found along waysides and in clearings include lady's bedstraw, oxeye daisy, marjoram, eyebright, St.John's wort, and a variable number of bee orchids. Cowslip and yellow rattle are a feature of the meadow near the River Bain, and plants such as gypsywort and water mint are present around the water's edge. Less welcome are two very invasive non-native species: pirri-pirri burr and New Zealand pygmyweed.

A good variety of butterflies and dragonflies can be seen, including brown argus, hairy dragonfly and banded demoiselle (the latter mostly along the River Bain). Willow emerald damselflies colonised in 2019 and are now common from late summer to early autumn. Roe deer and muntjac are occasional, while otters (and possibly mink) are present but rarely seen. Grass snakes and lizards are also present but elusive. Little is known about other taxonomic groups of plants and animals, so records from visiting naturalists are always welcome.

Management

The water level at the hide pit is controlled by a tilting weir; lowering in spring provides islands for nesting birds, and further lowering in late summer produces shallow water for passage waders and dabbling duck. The level is then raised to a maximum in winter, which is favoured by diving duck and also suppresses reed growth. Whether or not the islands are inundated in winter depends on rainfall, and since 2018 they have been increasingly colonised by willows, reeds and other vegetation. Some clearance work is done in late autumn, and this is helping to hold back the inevitable, and natural, process of succession.

Waterside trees are selectively coppiced or pollarded in winter, often for public safety in the case of precarious over-mature willows, but also to diversify the habitat and provide viewpoints.

Grassland habitats are managed either by hay cutting in summer or mowing in autumn, and some areas are also grazed by sheep.

Rivers and ditches at the reserve are flailed and dredged annually by drainage authorities to ease the high risk of flooding at Kirkby on Bain and further upstream.

Reserve map

Kirkby Gravel Pits map PDF