Once worked, the pits are colonised by plant growth. As they fill with water, spoil heaps become islands, undisturbed nesting sites for breeding plants. Many waterfowl overwinter and the shallow shores attract migrating waders. Unfortunately balance in nature is such that in the creation of flooded gravel pits areas of marsh and meadow may be destroyed and few now remain.

(Picture: Three Fingers Lake, Priory Country Park)