Clapgate Pits facts for kids

Clapgate Pits is a special natural area near Broughton, Lincolnshire. It used to be a quarry, which is a place where rocks or minerals are dug out of the ground. This site is about 1.0 hectare (or 2.5 acres) in size. Since 1996, the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust has looked after it. They help protect the plants and animals that live there.

Clapgate Pits is home to some very rare plants for Lincolnshire. These include pale St John's-Wort, Squinancywort, and Wall Germander. Sadly, a beautiful flower called the Pasqueflower used to grow here. It was the most northern place in Britain where it could be found. But in 1969, these plants were unfortunately removed from the site.

What is a Local Nature Reserve?

Clapgate Pits is known as a Local Nature Reserve. This means it is a place that is important for wildlife and nature. Local Nature Reserves are protected areas. They help to keep important habitats safe. They also give people a chance to enjoy and learn about nature.

Amazing Plants at Clapgate Pits

Clapgate Pits is a great place for plant lovers. It has a special environment that allows certain plants to grow. Some of these plants are hard to find in other parts of Lincolnshire.

Rare Plant Species

• Pale St John's-Wort: This plant has lovely yellow flowers. It is quite rare in the local area.
• Squinancywort: This is a small plant with tiny pink or white flowers. It often grows in dry, grassy places.
• Wall Germander: This plant has pretty purple flowers. It is also not commonly found in Lincolnshire.

These plants show how important Clapgate Pits is for protecting biodiversity. Biodiversity means all the different kinds of life in an area.

Mammals You Might See

Clapgate Pits is also home to several types of mammals. If you visit quietly, you might spot some of these animals.

• Brown hare (Lepus europaeus): These are large, fast-running hares. They have long ears with black tips.
• Grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis): You might see these common squirrels climbing trees. They are known for their bushy tails.
• Reeves's muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi): This is a small type of deer. They are sometimes called barking deer because of the sound they make.
• Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus): These are medium-sized deer. They are often seen in woodlands and open fields.

These animals use the reserve for food, shelter, and raising their young. Protecting places like Clapgate Pits helps these mammals thrive.