Great Holland Pits Nature Reserve
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Listed in Nature Reserves & Woods, Parks, Wildlife and Nature, Places to Go
- Great Holland Pits Nature Reserve, 800m west of the Lion's Den pub at Great Holland, north of the Little Clacton Road, Great Holland, Essex
- 01621 862960
- www.essexwt.org.uk/reserves/great-holland-pits
- [email protected]
A former gravel pit, this 40 acre reserve includes heathy grassland, pasture, a remnant of old woodland, large and small pools and wet depressions. There are attractive views of Holland Brook meandering through water meadows.
A very popular nature reserve and in many respects a smaller version of Fingringhoe Wick, the reserve is 40 acres. Gravel was extracted here until 1964. Habitats include heathy grassland, pasture, a remnant of old woodland, large and small pools and wet depressions. From the high ground there are attractive views of Holland Brook meandering through water meadows.
What to look for:
There is a wide variety of flowering plants including localised Essex species such as Moschatel, Yellow Archangel, Small-flowered Buttercup, Mousetail, Carline Thistle, several small clovers, True Bulrush, Soft Shield and Hart’s-tongue Ferns. There is a good variety of birdlife, with the Nightingale among the summer visitors, and several aquatic species including Kingfisher, Coot and Little Grebe. Woodcock frequently use the reserve in winter.
Accessible at all times. Dogs allowed if under effective control.
Directions – The reserve entrance is 800m west of the Lion’s Den pub at Great Holland, north of the Little Clacton Road.
Public Transport – buses stop at the Lion’s Den pub on the route from Clacton to Walton.
Did you know?
Long eared Owls frequently use the nature reserve in the winter
