Clapgate Pits
Parish: Broughton
OS: 112 • GR: SE 961109 • Map ref: 104
1.00 hectares (2.60acres) • Freehold 1996
Habitat type: Marsh/Wetland
Location and Access
The reserve is situated at the north-east corner of Broughton Far Wood on the B1208 about half a mile from its junction with the B1207 (Ermine Street). A public footpath skirts the western edge of the reserve. Access into the reserve will be provided either by a stile or a gate when fencing arrangements for grazing have been decided. Cars may be parked on the road verge.
Description and Management
Clapgate Pits consists of a long, disused quarry with a rich and varied limestone flora - the best in North Lincolnshire - which includes several plants rare in the county. Notable among these are pale St John's-wort, squinancywort and wall germander, a national Red Data Book species, often a garden escape but considered here to be of native origin. This was also formerly the most northerly site in Britain for pasqueflower but the plants were apparently dug up by vandals in 1969. In recent years scrub has enveloped much of the quarry; following a careful survey, this will be cleared and the area fenced for occasional sheep grazing in order to restore and maintain the grassland flora.
