Ruxley pits are one of the few areas of relatively undisturbed open water in south London. Formerly a gravel pit which flooded after extraction stopped in 1951, the reserve consists of a series of small shallow lakes in the floodplain of the River Cray. Besides open water it also includes several wooded islands, as well as important marginal areas of dense scrub, swamp and tall herbs. A Site of Special Scientific Interest, part of the site is managed by the Kent Wildlife Trust as a nature reserve.
Local Wildlife Site
Accessible Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation
Ruxley Gravel Pits
Borough: Bexley, Bromley
Grade: Metropolitan
Access: Access by prior arrangement
Area: 19.02 ha
Description
Wildlife
This range of habitats supports over 500 species of plants, 53 species of breeding birds, and is very rich in invertebrate animal life, including an important assemblage of beetles and nine species of dragonfly. Locally rare plant species include greater tussock-sedge, grey club-rush, spiked water-milfoil and common meadow-rue. Among the breeding birds on the site are great crested and little grebes, reed bunting, and reed and sedge warblers. Species spending the winter on the reserve include water rail and common snipe. Amongst the vast invertebrate fauna are numerous locally and nationally uncommon species. The specially-protected water vole has recently been reintroduced to the site.Facilities
Fishing; educational visits can be arranged with Kent Wildlife Trust and the London Borough of Bromley, who also organise guided walks.
Southern hawker dragonfly, female © Mike Waite
Great crested newt © Unknown
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