Hilton Gravel Pits

A 29 hectare Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) reserve with a combination of lakes and ponds, woodland and sheltered sunny areas make the former gravel pits at Hilton a haven for wildlife.

There are lots of trails all around the reserve to explore.  Note: the water in the ponds are deep so please keep to the paths.  The track along the field gate entrance is in good condition and provides access to a bird viewing screen. Paths on other areas of the site are flat but are often muddy and unsuitable for wheelchairs.

Best times to visit – Evenings for bats, February for the great crested grebe’s mating dance, Summer for orchids and Autumn for fungi. Walk through the woodland in Autumn and you will find a wealth of fungi growing near the path – many species flourishing here are fly agaric and shaggy inkcap.

The reserve supports species that are fast declining in this country, including the great crested newt and black poplar, and is well-known for its dragonflies and damselflies. Species recorded include the emperor and ruddy darter dragonflies and the emerald and red-eyed damselflies.

Plants such as southern marsh orchids and common twayblade have now established themselves at the reserve.  The ponds and lakes attract many species of waterfowl including coot, great crested grebe and tufted duck.  In Spring the water is an amphibian nursery – frogs, toads, great crested & common newts all breed here.

Note: Dogs are not permitted in the main area of the nature reserve.  However they are welcome (on leads please) on the main perimeter track that runs from Willowpit Lane to Sutton Lane.