Rixton Clay Pits facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rixton Clay Pits |
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Rixton Clay Pits
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| Type | Local Nature Reserve, SSSI, SAC |
| Location | Hollins Green, Warrington |
| OS grid | SJ686906 |
| Area | 32.4 hectares (80 acres) |
| Elevation | 15m |
| Operated by | Warrington Borough Council |
| Open | always |
Rixton Clay Pits is a special place in Rixton, near Hollins Green, Warrington, England. It used to be a place where people dug out clay from the ground. This clay was then used to make bricks in a nearby factory.
After they stopped digging for clay in 1965, nature started to take over. Now, it's a beautiful area with ponds, bushy areas, woodlands, and damp grasslands. It's a great spot for everyone to enjoy and learn about nature. The local council in Warrington looks after it.
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Welcome to Rixton Clay Pits
Rixton Clay Pits is a fantastic nature spot. It's officially known as a local nature reserve. This means it's a place where nature is protected and people can visit. It has special paths that are easy to follow, and there's even a visitor centre.
A Look Back in Time
Long ago, this area was just farmland. But in the 1920s, people started digging for clay here. They were looking for a type of clay called boulder clay. This clay was perfect for making bricks.
The clay was taken to a factory right next door. There, it was turned into bricks. This work continued for many years. But in 1965, the digging stopped. The clay pits were left alone, and nature began to grow back.
Home to Amazing Wildlife
Two big parts of Rixton Clay Pits are very important for nature. They are called a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means they are protected because of their unique plants and animals. They are also a Special Area of Conservation.
One of the most exciting animals here is the Great crested newt. Rixton Clay Pits has the largest group of these newts in all of Cheshire. These newts are special because they need clean ponds to live and lay their eggs. The area also has rare types of grassland.
Fun Activities at the Pits
Rixton Clay Pits is not just for wildlife; it's for people too! You can walk along the marked paths and explore. It's a great place for a family outing.
If you enjoy fishing, there's a lake where you can cast a line. The Warrington Anglers Association manages the fishing here. You might catch fish like tench, bream, and roach. There are also carp and pike in the lake.
