NOTTINGHAMSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST

RESERVE FACT SHEET

WILFORD CLAYPIT

SIZE: 10.7 acres ......................... Click here for Site Map

......................... Click here for Species Records

.........................Wilford Claypits Article .........................Wilford Claypits Web Site

RESERVE TYPE: Disused claypit comprising marshland with pools, dykes and streams, willow carr, neutral and alkaline grassland, with areas of scrub and woodland.

STATUS: The reserve is owned by Rushcliffe Borough Council. Between 1895 and 1967 the site was owned by Wilford Brick Company for the excavation of brick-making clay, after which the area was left to develop to its present state. Part of the site (mainly the marshland) is designated an SSSI with restricted access.

ACCESS: The site is open at all times to the public, but the SSSI has restricted access. Access is from Compton Acres and from the industrial estate on the west. Street parking is permissible. Nottingham City Bus 9X, and South Notts Buses 8 and 63 pass by the site.

DESCRIPTION: Wilford Clay Pit owes its existence to over half a century of clay extraction. Interesting geological strata of red, green and grey marl, deposits of shale, skerry and gypsum were exposed when the slopes and low cliffs were made during excavations and well drained neutral and alkaline clays and loams have developed on these slopes. Waterlogged clays ensure that the marsh on the claypit floor is maintained by lime-rich springs which also feed the unpolluted pools, streams and dykes and herein lies the SSSI conservation value.

Developing Willow Carr exists within this marshland. Short turf clay grassland found close to the main wetland, on poorly developed, low nutrient soils, supports a high floral diversity including southern marsh, common spotted and bee orchids, in addition a few examples of fragrant orchid were recorded in 1999. The public open space has a developing base rich grassland with lower species diversity, but much of this is developing into scrub. The north west edge of the reserve is woodland of mainly ash with an under storey of goat willow, hawthorn and bramble. The south facing wooded scarp in the south east is a developing mixed woodland, including oak and field maple.

The comprehensive flora includes over 40 species of bryophytes, including two sphagnum species, indicative of the development of low nutrient/ acid areas. Grey club rush, red pond weed, broad-leaved cotton grass, yellow wort and blue fleabane grow on the site and are uncommon in the county. In all 80+ species of wildflower have been recorded.

The area supports a range of common buttertflies and also a number of dragonfly/damselfly species can be seen on the site and presumably breed in the ponds.

Mammals include fox, weasel, rabbit and vole. It is an important habitat for freshwater invertebrates, amphibians and some fish. Birds recorded include moorhen, reed bunting, willow and sedge warblers, all of which are believed to be breeding on site.

CONSERVATION AIMS/PROBLEMS: Maintaining water quality is paramount, as contamination would lead to species reduction.

Reed mace and willow encroachment need to be controlled to prevent the pools and dykes from drying up. Invasive hawthorn, bramble and rose species need removing from the open grass areas to prevent development of scrub. Damage is being caused to the site by cycling, motor cycling, horse riding and tipping.

CONTACT: Reserve Manager - Deryk Rudge 0115 9100712.

The Trust is grateful to Rushcliffe Borough Council for their support.