About the reserve

The reserve lies on the sandy warrens overlying limestone formed by glacial melt waters, which carried sand through the Ancaster Gap. Few patches of the old heathland turf of these deposits now remain. Much of the reserve consists of abandoned sand and gravel pits, which were worked between 1920 and 1967.

The mixture of calcareous and acid soils gives rise to a varied flora rather like that of the Breckland of Norfolk and Suffolk. Over 320 plants have been recorded, including many localised species and one national rarity, the smooth rupturewort. Over 90 species of birds have been recorded of which 25 are known to nest. Records also include 60 species of aculeate wasps and bees.

Management consists largely of mowing grassland and tall herb vegetation, preventing scrub invasion, planting trees and repairing the stone wall on the northern boundary.

Nearest postcode NG34 8PT. Please note - postcodes are for the nearest registered address as we are unable to get postcodes for nature reserves.

Location information

Rauceby Warren location and trail

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