Transformation of Bodmin Moor Clay Pit Creates Wildlife Haven

A former clay pit on Bodmin Moor has become a thriving haven for wildlife thanks to biodiversity efforts by South West Water. The company, which took over the Park Pit site in 2007, has been working on a variety of environmental projects that have transformed the area into a vital ecological space.

14 Football Pitches of Woodland Planted

One of the standout initiatives has been the planting of 10 hectares of native broadleaf woodland – an area equivalent to about 14 football pitches. South West Water’s goal is to increase biodiversity on the land, encouraging wildlife to flourish. Non-native trees have also been removed and are being replaced with native species, which are better suited to supporting local wildlife, including birds and insects.

The company has gone further by fencing off sections of the site to allow grass to grow undisturbed, providing essential cover for breeding birds such as the Curlew. This species, considered internationally important, is in decline across the UK, and the hope is to boost their numbers by creating a suitable habitat at the former clay pit.

Photo: Park Pit before South West Water ownership

Peatland Restoration and Eel Passage

In addition to woodland restoration, South West Water has restored almost 19 hectares of peatland. The restored peatland offers new food sources and nesting sites for a variety of wildlife species. The company has also installed an eel passage, allowing these fish to access the newly re-wetted areas, which further supports the site’s growing biodiversity.

Recent surveys have revealed encouraging signs that the efforts are paying off. For the first time in years, an adult Marsh Fritillary butterfly and its caterpillar webs have been spotted at the site. The butterfly, which is threatened in both the UK and Europe, is just one of several species to benefit from the ongoing work. The elusive Tormentil Mining Bee, a priority species, has also made an appearance, highlighting the growing diversity of insect life in the area.

Photo: Peatland restoration

County Wildlife Site Designation

Thanks to the success of these biodiversity efforts, a significant part of the Park Pit site has been designated a County Wildlife Site. This designation is reserved for areas rich in wildlife, recognising the importance of the habitats and species found there. The area is now home to the largest collection of Marsh Clubmoss in the South West, a rare species that is thriving thanks to the careful land management in place.

Hannah Bailey, Biodiversity Action Officer at South West Water, emphasised the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship, saying that their work at Park Pit demonstrates what can be achieved through dedicated restoration and management. South West Water manages over 6,000 hectares of land, with a strong focus on biodiversity and environmental compliance under the Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP).

Supporting National Biodiversity Goals

South West Water’s work at Park Pit is part of a broader commitment to supporting national biodiversity goals. The company has pledged to ‘protect the best’ of its landholdings while continuing to ‘restore and enhance the rest’ as part of its everyday management strategies. By working closely with regulators and exceeding the minimum requirements, South West Water aims to support the Government’s target to reverse the decline in biodiversity across the UK.

As the project continues, Park Pit is set to become a key example of how former industrial sites can be transformed into valuable ecological spaces, contributing to both the environment and the biodiversity of Cornwall.

Photo: Speckled Wood Butterfly at Park Pit