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West Pit
West Pit 5.jpg
Type Local Nature Reserve
Location Cherry Hinton, Cambridgeshire
OS grid TL 484 558
Area 4.3 hectares
Managed by Cambridge City Council

West Pit is a special natural area. It is located in Cherry Hinton, which is on the edge of Cambridge. This place is a Local Nature Reserve, which means it is protected. It helps nature and wildlife to grow there. West Pit is also part of a bigger area called the Cherry Hinton Pit. This whole area is important for science.

Exploring West Pit: A Special Nature Spot

West Pit covers about 4.3 hectares. That is roughly the size of five football fields! It used to be a place where people dug out chalk from the ground. This kind of place is called a quarry. Now, it is a beautiful woodland with steep slopes. There is even a caravan park in the middle of it.

Why is West Pit Special?

West Pit is very important for nature. It has been named a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This is because of a very rare plant that grows there. This plant is called the moon carrot. It is on a special list of plants that are at risk of disappearing. This list is called the British Red List of Threatened Species.

Protecting West Pit

The Cambridge City Council helps to look after West Pit. They have made it a Local Nature Reserve (LNR). This means the area is protected for wildlife and for people to enjoy. Nearby areas, like East Pit and Limekiln Close, are also protected. These places work together to keep the local nature safe.

Visiting West Pit

You can visit West Pit! The entrance is found near the caravan park. It is located on Limekiln Road. It is a great place to explore nature and see the special plants that grow there. Remember to respect the area and its wildlife when you visit.

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