Snakeholme Pit, Lincolnshire

Breadcrumbs

This former clay pit was used as a fish nursery until it was taken over by Butterfly Conservation. It is owned by Anglian Water and a permit is needed for access

LOOK OUT FOR

Butterflies White Admiral by Jim Asher

  • Common Blue
  • Essex Skipper
  • Purple Hairstreak
  • White Admiral (near its northern limit)

Moths

  • Emperor
  • Rosy Footman
  • Elephant Hawk-moth

Other species

  • Water Vole
  • Water Shrew
  • Banded Demoiselle (damselfly)

FEATURES

There is a beautiful meadow area at the south-east end. A sheltered sunny south-west facing bank leads down to a pond, which covers about a third of the site.

Large hedgerows with mature ash and oak trees surround part of the site. There is a good show of cowslips in the spring and the fine summer wildflower display includes Greater Burnet-saxifrage, Betony and the unusual Adderstongue fern.

The pool supports many species of dragonfly and damselfly as well as variety of aquatic molluscs and other pond-life. This small reserve attracts a notable range of birds including kingfishers and nightingales.

Size: 0.8 hectares (2 acres)

DIRECTIONS

Grid Reference: TF 117 716 Ordinance Survey map 121

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Infrequent buses from Bardney to Lincoln pass via Stainfield, 1.5 miles from the reserve.

ACCESS AND SAFETY

Access by permit from the reserve manager - see contact details below.

Take care around the pool, it has steep banks.

CONTACT

Derek Fox

  • Lisheen, Barlings Lane, Langworth, Lincoln LN3 5DA
  • E-mail:
  • Telephone: 01522 754214

Leaflet available with permit