Each week, our mayor writes a brief diary about his previous week. This is available for you to view here in PDF format
Diary Notes (4.5Kb)
Roecliffe Ponds & Meadows
The large pond in Roecliffe Meadows was formed as a result of digging for clay
from the late 19th century to 1963, when the clay pit was closed. Four or five feet of spoil (overburden
and inferior clay) was removed and mounded at the sides, exposing what were known
as ‘race deposits’ which probably give the meadows their infertile, limey character,
which is so good today for wild flowers.The seam of blue clay, ten to twelve feet deep, was used to produce bricks and
tiles – green tiles can still be seen on the electricity sub-station on the Roecliffe
to Boroughbridge road. Four kilns operated on the adjacent industrial site with
a further three to the right of Claypit Lane. At its height, the industry employed
over fifty local people.
A Future for Wildlife
The main pond supports many coarse fish, including carp, perch, roach and pike.
Water lilies and emergent vegetation provides habitat for many invertebrates such
as pond skaters, water beetles and dragonflies.
Several small pools have been created from which fish, which prey on many of
these insects, are excluded. Birds which use the ponds include moorhens, kingfishers
and waterfowl.
In summer, the meadows are a blaze of wild flowers and buzzing with insects.
The meadows have developed naturally over the years on limey clay soil which has
never been seeded, fertilised of drained. Species rich grasslands such as this
would once have been common sight, but most have now been lost to agricultural
improvement.
Notable plants include common spotted and bee orchids, wild carrot, birds foot
trefoil, ox-eye daisy and knapweed. Damper areas support ragged robin and various
sedges. These flowers provide food and nectar which supports a host of bees, butterflies
and moths.
The meadows are mown once a year, in autumn after the flowers have set seed and
the cuttings are removed to keep nutrient levels low.
A Woodland Haven
Becklands Lane in lined with fine oaks and the surrounding hedge has been laid
in the traditional style. The ponds and meadows are surrounded by a fringe of
hawthorn, elder and grey willow scrub and larger trees of oak, ash, poplar and
crack willow. These provide nesting and feeding sites for many species of birds
including sparrow hawk, great spotted woodpecker and chiffchaff.
Conservation
The site is designated as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation in recognition
of its count level importance as a wildlife site for its mosaic of important habitats
including wild flower meadows, woodland, scrub and open water.
Fishing
The site has been fished by Boroughbridge & District Angling Club since 1949. In 2005, the ponds, which had become stagnant and low in oxygen,
were combined, to allow air and water to circulate better, creating a single main
lake with an island. The project also involved provision of disability-friendly
access and fishing platforms.
Visiting the Reserve
Roecliffe Pond and Meadows in a private nature reserve that is open to the public
and school groups by prior arrangement. To arrange a visit please contact them
on 01423 321322.