Chainbridge Pit (IVNR)

Access from a style next to Chainbridge Lane Bridge with marked footpaths running south along the western bank of the river Idle (this can take you all the way to Bellmoor Lake) and along the northern fence line running alongside Chainbridge Lane. Being one of the deepest waters over the reserve this restored gravel pit houses good numbers of duck with Goosander

Goldeneye and Smew often noted in winter months. Good numbers of roosting gulls in winter are not uncommon with spring and autumn passage regularly attracting terns which have included Arctic, Black, Little and Sandwich. Cormorants can often be found fishing/roosting here and Kingfisher are often seen speeding past. Breeding waders include Oystercatcher, Redshank, Ringed Plover and Little Ringed Plover and passage has brought several scarce species including Turnstone, Greenshank, Ruff, Whimbrel, both godwits and Spotted Redshank. The whole area is now surrounded by self-established reeds which houses high numbers of Reed Warbler.

Rarities

Rarities have included:

• American Wigeon (1986-87)
• Richard’s Pipit (1990)
• White-winged Black Tern (1992 & 1994)
• Long-billed Dowitcher (1996)
• Baird’s Sandpiper (1998)
• Black-winged Stilt (2019)

Scarcities

Scarce species including:

• Glaucous Gull
• Iceland Gull
• Common Scoter
• Long-tailed Duck