stint, Baird's sandpiper and caspian tern. OS: 122 • GR: TF 236 609 • 14.8ha (36.50 acres) • Freehold 1991 Notable amongst the other Habitat type: Marsh/Wetland wildlife are grass snake, small numbers of bee orchids, and a Situated on both sides of the Old River good variety of butterflies and Bain about 1.5km (0.9 miles) south of dragonflies including brown Kirkby on Bain, this reserve lies to the argus and banded demoiselle. east of a minor road that connects Kirkby on Bain with . A small Management of the main pit is car park is provided, with a focused on controlling the birdwatching hide nearby, giving water level by means of a excellent views of the largest pit. In tilting weir installed in 2001. order to minimise disturbance, the only The level is lowered in spring other access is from the car park to provide islands for nesting birds, and further lowering in late northwards to join the public bridleway Riverslea Lake can be viewed from the summer produces shallow water for along the north-east boundary. public footpath that runs between the passage waders and wildfowl. lake and the existing Kirkby Gravel Pits Please note that surrounding pits are Maximum level is reached during the nature reserve. private and can only be viewed from winter, covering the islands to a public rights of way. sufficient depth to remove all vegetation and prevent them from becoming Much of the reserve consists of flooded overgrown. The diversity sand and gravel pits, fringed by reeds of other habitats is and willows. There are also small areas maintained by coppicing of sparse vegetation, grassland, scrub, some of the woodland and maturing woodland. Birds are the and mowing or grazing main wildlife interest, with something the grassland. of interest all year round. In spring and Riverslea Lake next to summer, the pits attract many breeding Kirkby Gravel Pits nature water birds, often including pochard reserve was purchased in and gadwall, while the islands have 2009 thanks to funding nesting little ringed plover and common from Biffaward, a multi- tern, and surrounding habitats support million pound turtle dove and eight species of environment fund warbler. Late summer and autumn managed by the Royal bring migrant waders such as green Society of Wildlife Trusts sandpiper along with congregations of (RSWT), which utilises teal and other ducks. In winter the landfill tax credits reserve is an important refuge for a donated by Biffa Waste variety of wetland birds. Kingfisher and Services (a smaller green woodpecker can be seen at any portion of the lake is in time of year. Uncommon birds are private ownership). always a possibility, particularly in spring and autumn; rarities in recent years include spoonbill, Temminck's

Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, Banovallum House, Manor House Street, , LN9 5HF Tel: 01507 526667 | Email: [email protected] | www.lincstrust.org.uk Registered charity no. 218895