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Special Areas of Conservation

Rixton Clay Pits

Designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
Country England
Unitary Authority Cheshire
Centroid* SJ684901
Latitude 53.40638889
Longitude -2.475277778
SAC EU Code UK0030265
Status Designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
Area (ha) 13.65
* This is the approximate central point of the SAC. In the case of large, linear or composite sites, this may not represent the location where a feature occurs within the SAC.
Location of Rixton Clay Pits SAC

General site character

  • Inland water bodies (Standing water, Running water) (20%)
  • Heath, Scrub, Maquis and Garrigue, Phygrana (25%)
  • Humid grassland, Mesophile grassland (55%)

Download the Standard Data Form for this site (PDF <100kb)

Note When undertaking an appropriate assessment of impacts at a site, all features of European importance (both primary and non-primary) need to be considered.

Annex I habitats that are a primary reason for selection of this site

  • Not Applicable

Annex I habitats present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for selection of this site

  • Not Applicable

Annex II species that are a primary reason for selection of this site

  • 1166 Great crested newt Triturus cristatus

    Situated east of Warrington, this site comprises parts of an extensive disused brickworks excavated in glacial boulder clay. The excavation has left a series of hollows, which have filled with water since workings ceased in the 1960s, leading to a variety of pond sizes. New ponds have also been created more recently for wildlife and amenity purposes. Great crested newt Triturus cristatus are known to occur in at least 20 ponds across the site. The site also supports species-rich grassland, scrub and mature secondary woodland.

Annex II species present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for site selection

  • Not Applicable

Many designated sites are on private land: the listing of a site in these pages does not imply any right of public access.