Darcy Lever Gravel Pits Action Group
The Gravel Pits Action Group, or GPAG for short, was formed in 2003 to help manage the important wildlife site of Darcy Lever Gravel Pits. The group is entirely run by volunteers and works in partnership with the Bolton Councils Ranger Service. We meet regularly on the 2nd Tuesday of each month to discuss and plan upcoming conservation work and other issues.
What are Darcy Lever Gravel Pits?
Set in its 27-acre site, the Gravel Pits are one of the best places
in the region for wildlife. Although gravel was extracted here 40 or
so years ago to construct St Peter’s Way, nature has since worked
its magic and the depressions created by the
extraction of sand and gravel quickly filled with water and formed a
number of ponds. The site has now become an oasis for wildlife,
which is a home to many plant and animal species.
Why is the site important for wildlife?
The site is a haven for many species of flora and fauna, each having
found it’s own particular niche. The combination of habitats gives
the Gravel Pits a unique character that enables 18 species of
dragonfly and over 20 breeding species of bird to thrive. Of the 5
species of amphibian on the site (including the famous great crested
newt), most breed in the majority of ponds. Many species of mammal
are there too, including bats, foxes and even the beautiful roe
deer.
Because of its importance for wildlife, the site has been designated
a grade 1 Site of Biological Importance, (only one step down from a
Site of Special Scientific Interest, the best quality rating in
conservation terms).
Why is management work required?
If left to natural processes, the heath and pond habitats, which are
so important for wildlife, would eventually be covered by scrub, dry
out and finally disappear. The unique character of the habitat would
then be lost and much of this wildlife would be gone. To maintain
and improve the total value of the site, a "Site Maintenance Plan"
has been introduced. This maintenance plan with its controlled
clearance of pond vegetation and woodland scrub from certain areas
will maintain the variety of habitats, which exist on site. This in
turn should benefit all the existing wildlife, and should encourage
more species to inhabit the site in the years to come.
Where is Darcy Lever Gravel Pits?
Darcy Lever Gravel Pits is part of Moses Gate Country Park, found to
the south of Bolton in Greater Manchester. The site belongs to
Bolton Council and is open to the public all year round so visitors
are welcome any time. To help find the site, please refer to our
Location page to view a site
map, or visit Rock Hall visitors centre, (within Moses Gate Country
Park), and ask the Ranger Service for a leaflet; also published on
this web site. For Rock Hall opening times and further information
call the Ranger Service on 01204 334042.
About GPAG
Membership of GPAG is free, and you can join in with activities as much or as little as you wish.
To find out more, please contact Mike Fisher.
