Neatholme Pit (IVNR)

Viewable from Neatholme Lane only but there is a viewing mound and two benches to be found overlooking both ‘arms’ of this pit. This former gravel pit is deep and does hold good numbers of wildfowl throughout the year and has produced several rarities over its lifetime. Winter can be particularly good with Goldeneye seen in large flocks amongst other more common waterfowl. Little and Great Crested Grebes can be found breeding here with other rare grebes noted regularly. The shallow shoreline to the northern edge often produces waders on passage. There is a large scrub covered island dividing two areas of open water which is good habitat for scrubland birds including Linnet, Common Whitethroat and Long-tailed Tit etc. Blackbird and Song Thrush also favour this area to nest.

Rarities

Rarities have included:

• Green-winged Teal (1990)
• Greater Flamingo (1993)
• Blue-winged Teal (2000)
• Ring-necked Duck (2001)
• Fulmar (2006)
• Ferruginous Duck (2011)
• Great White Egret (2016 but now becoming regular).

Scarcities

Scarce species have included:

• Tundra Bean Goose
• Black-necked Grebe
• Great Grey Shrike
• Gannet
• Long-tailed Duck
• Bearded Tit (2016).