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The Nature Conservation Importance of Barrow Hills Sand Pits SSSI

Barrow Hills Sand Pit Site of Special Scientific Interest is a nationally important site for wildlife.

The sand pit at Barrow Hills (2 hectares in area) is an extremely unusual habitat, and has elements that link it to both coastal areas and areas such as the Brecklands.  The mix of glacial sand with calcareous clay nodules leads to plants not commonly associated together.

The developing tree layer includes birch, oak, ash, sycamore and maple.  the expanding shrub layer includes gorse, broom, buckthorn, hawthorn, privet and bramble.  Amongst the ground flora there are uncommon herbaceous plants such as vipers bugloss, basil thyme, thyme leaved sandwort, musk and carline thistle, stonecrop, common and small cudweed.  Other flowers include harebell, cowslips, scarlet pimpernel and birds foot trefoil.  Mosses, liverworts and lichens are also found, many indicative to the acidic nature of the soil.

Barrow Hills is known to have a good woodland bird community.  Sand Martins have nested at the Sandpit in the past.  Several unusual beetle species have been found at the site.

The site is managed by Everton parishioners under an agreement between the Parish Council and English Nature.

In order to reduce the impact on the flora and fauna, walkers are requested to please keep to the established walkways.  Please also note that motorcycles, cycles and horses are not permitted on the SSSI.