The Ruxley Gravel Pits Nature reserve team, which works at this SSSI on the River Cray just over the border in Bromley, hosted a visit to the site by members of other hands-on conservation groups on Tuesday 8th December to further boost the profile of this important area and improve liaison.
Seventeen people arrived for a gentle stroll around the Ruxley Lakes to see the Ruxley Gravel Pits Nature Reserve. After introductions we had a brief talk from Albert Watson, the Honorary Warden, about the history and background to the nature reserve. We had a good turnout from the Thames21 Cray Riverkeeper team who had not been here before, Karen Sutton from Crossness Nature Reserve, Ruxley volunteers and other visitors from Bromley.
Visitors to Ruxley GPNR included Karen Sutton, Biodiversity Team Manager at Thames Water and Crossness Nature Reserve Manager; Joanna Barton a new Thames21 employee working with the team in Bexley; Project Officer Michael Heath, who leads the Cray team in Bexley and some of his volunteers; and Thames Road Wetland Site manager Chris Rose. Also pictured are Linda Graham, Martin Watts and Albert Watson who head the Ruxley volunteer effort. (Photo: Brian Riches)
Starting from where the River Cray leaves the Ruxley Lakes we made our way to the point at which the River Cray enters the area. It is surprising how many lakes there are. The nature reserve has a few man-made ones as well as fen and marsh habitat. After a detailed look at the nature reserve area we walked back for a cuppa and mince pies.
Martin Watts
