Great Holland Pits

Map Ref:  TM 204 190
Public Transport - buses stop at the Lion's Den pub on the route from Clacton to Walton.
Dogs allowed if under effective control.

Directions
The reserve entrance is 800m west of the Lion's Den pub at Great Holland, north of the Little Clacton Road.

A very popular nature reserve and in many respects a smaller version of Fingringhoe Wick, the reserve is 40 acres.  Gravel was extracted here until 1964.  Habitats include heathy grassland, pasture, a remnant of old woodland, large and small pools and wet depressions.  From the high ground there are attractive views of Holland Brook meandering through water meadows.

What to look for:
There is a wide variety of flowering plants including localised Essex species such  as Moschatel, Yellow Archangel, Small-flowered Buttercup, Mousetail, Carline Thistle, several small clovers, True Bulrush, Soft Shield and Hart's-tongue Ferns.
There is a good variety of birdlife, with the Nightingale among the summer visitors, and several aquatic species including Kingfisher, Coot and Little Grebe.  Woodcock frequently use the reserve in winter.

Access
Accessible at all times.

Did you know?
Long eared Owls frequently use the nature reserve in the winter.