Bray Pit facts for kids

A view of Bray Pit nature reserve.

Bray Pit is a lovely nature reserve found near the village of Holyport in Berkshire, England. It's a special place where different animals and plants can live and grow. This nature reserve used to be looked after by the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust.

What is Bray Pit Like?

Bray Pit is about 2.0 hectares (which is about 5 acres) in size. Imagine a small lake that was once a gravel pit, now filled with water. This lake is surrounded by a strip of trees, a thick hedge, and a wide grassy area. It's a perfect mix of water, trees, and open space for wildlife.

Animals You Might See

Bray Pit is home to many interesting creatures, especially insects and birds.

Insects and Other Small Animals

You can find various insects buzzing around, helping plants grow and being part of the food chain.

• Orange-tip butterflies (Anthocharis cardamines)
• Common carder bees (Bombus pascuorum)
• Leafcutter bees (Megachile centuncularis)
• Red mason bees (Osmia rufa)
• Red-tailed bumblebees (Bombus lapidarius)
• White-tailed bumblebees (Bombus lucorum)

Birds

Many different kinds of birds visit or live at Bray Pit, especially those that like water or woodland areas.

• Common Terns (Sterna hirundo)
• Eurasian Coots (Fulica atra)
• Great Crested Grebes (Podiceps cristatus)
• Great Spotted Woodpeckers (Dendrocopus major)
• Grey Herons (Ardea cinerea)
• House Martins (Delichon urbica)
• Common Kingfishers (Alcedo atthis)
• Common Moorhens (Gallinula chloropus)
• Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica)
• Common Swifts (Apus apus)

Plants You Might See

The reserve also has a variety of plants that add to its beauty and provide food and shelter for the animals.

• Black Knapweed (Centaurea nigra)
• Ox-eye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare)
• Wild Carrot (Daucus carota)
• Yellow Rattle (Rhinanthus minor)