Once a clay extraction site, Rixton Claypits is now a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) and a local nature reserve. The claypits are a wildlife haven where both the keen naturalist and casual visitor will find things of interest. Easy to follow paths will take you to ponds, wildflower meadows, quiet corners and woodland. The wide range of habitats and micro climates found at the reserve result in a large diversity of plants and animals. 20 breeds of butterfly now breed on site. Five rare beetles and a saucer bug have been noted. A huge population of dragonflies reside on the site and 18 species have so far been observed. Bats, water voles and water shrews have been observed and foxes are present all year round. Several weasels have been observed, hedgehogs are frequent visitors and roe deer have occasionally been seen. Plants include 180 species of fungi. Ferns are abundant on the site. There are many other plants both rare and common on the reserve. The great crested newt is the country’s largest and rarest newt which is now in decline. The claypits are of national importance for this species.
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