Ruxley Gravel Pits, Nature conservation area in London Borough of Bromley, England
Ruxley Gravel Pits is a nature conservation site comprising several water-filled pits in the London Borough of Bromley. The River Cray flows through some of the lakes while natural springs feed others.
The site functioned as a gravel extraction facility between 1929 and 1951 before natural regeneration transformed it into an ecosystem. Official protection arrived in 1975 to safeguard this developing habitat.
The location serves as a research center for scientists studying 500 plant species, 169 bird varieties, and numerous insect populations in their natural environment.
Access to this site is limited and governed by conditions for specific activities. Visitors should check in advance which areas are open and what rules apply for use.
Rare plant species flourish in the lakes and along their edges, creating specialized habitats for adapted insects. The water surfaces display seasonal changes in their plant life that draw different kinds of wildlife.
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