Warsop Main Pit Top

Situation The old Warsop Main Pit Top lies between the villages of Warsop Vale and Church Warsop, extending in the general direction of Langwith and Shirebrook. A newly opened footpath runs over part of the site from Warsop Vale to Shirebrook. Development continues in the form of further path construction and as this site matures, it should become a haven for insects and birds. Parking and access Roadside parking, with two main access points. Either from the minor road leaving Church Warsop at approx SK 552 694 or the new Warsop Vale entrance at SK 551 681. Description and habitat A former pit top site, much of which has been typically overplanted with Pines and native deciduous trees and shrubs. As with any pit top, the general landscape is extremely undulating in parts.
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Three main areas of water provide excellent dragonfly habitat and an increasing variety of naturalised flora attract good numbers of commoner butterflies and other insects. Wildlife A varied list of interesting species. As with any under watched site, who knows what could be found? My wife and I started visiting the site whilst walking the dog during early 2006. It was also the last site I knew for Puss Moth and Eyed Hawk-moth. Both are fortunately still present, but we have since recorded a range of other interesting wildlife. Reptiles Grass Snake is regular here, especially where the site borders Warsop Wood, to the west of Church Warsop.
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Moths Recent moth sightings have included Map-winged Swift, Dingy Shell, Eyed Hawk-moth, and the Pyralid Sitochroa palealis is just one of many rare Nottinghamshire species found here. A Hummingbird Hawk-moth was near the Warsop Vale entrance on July 4th 2006. The species list found here is greatly enhanced by the site's closeness to both Warsop Wood and William Wood. Butterflies All the common species are present. Brown Argus became established here a few years ago and they continue to be found in good numbers in certain areas of the site. Dingy Skipper was also found in early May 2007, followed by a female Marbled White on July 11th.. Dragonflies The shallow water area that lies next to the old railway line holds good numbers of dragonflies. Recent counts (early July 2006) included 12 Emperor Dragonfly, 17 Four-spotted Chaser, 20+ Black-tailed Skimmer and the migrant Red-veined Darter. Azure, Blue-tailed and Common Blue damselflies are found in good numbers, whilst there are smaller numbers of Emerald Damselfly present in the quieter areas.
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Summary Any former pit top warrants a visit and this is no exception. The site would provide an excellent area of study for those with an interest in flora or fauna.