Pentney Gravel Pits

Pentney Gravel Pits (TF715135)

The site, a disused Sand and Gravel Quarry is now a privately owned outdoor Leisure Centre.

ACCESS:

The Gravel Pit is situated on a minor road South West of Pentney village. Turn right off the A47 Eastbound at Narborough. In the village of Narborough turn right at the Ship Inn. Follow the road through Pentney and park near the church. The main area for Birdwatching is along the left fork.

DESCRIPTION:

There is only one pit, which is easily visible from the roadside. It is quite exposed with just a short stretch of shoreline having any tree cover. This comprises of willow and birch . There are some patchy areas of reed with the majority of the shoreline being closely grazed grass. In dry seasons there are sandy spits and islands. Resident birds include Green Woodpecker, Great crested and Little Grebes. Summer brings with it hirundines and a good selection of the commoner warblers. Nightingale and Common Tern are also present. Waterfowl numbers peak in the winter with counts of, over 200 Coot, Wigeon and Greylag Geese. Large numbers of Egyptian Geese also occur.

Specialities to the site include, Wood Sandpiper, Black Tern, Little Ringed Plover and Garganey

Recent rarities have included, Marsh Sandpiper, Ring billed Gull, Kentish Plover, Pectoral Sandpiper, Long- billed Dowitcher and Ring necked Duck.