Chapel Pit
Parish: Chapel St Leonards
OS: 122 • GR: TF 558740 • Map ref: 47
3.20 hectares (7.80acres) • Leasehold 1959
Habitat type: Marsh/Wetland
Location and Access
The pit is situated a short distance north of Chapel Point on the west side of the road. There is parking space on the opposite side of the road a little further north at Chapel Six Marshes. Visitors are requested not to walk round the pit. Views of the reserve may be had by walking down the short track from the road. An alternative viewing place may be reached by walking a few yards southwards.
Description and Management
Excavated for clay for the repair of the sea banks following the floods of 1953, the flooded pit has marginal reedbeds and aquatic plants, such as water-crowfoot and great reedmace. Fifteen species of ducks have been recorded, mainly in winter. Grebes, divers and wild swans are also often seen in winter. In summer breeding species include reed and sedge warblers, lesser whitethroat, and great crested and little grebes. In August and September thousands of migrating swallows and house martins roost in the reedbeds. Screens of willows round the banks of the pits have been planted in order to reduce disturbance to birds.
