WARRINGTON BOROUGH COUNCIL
Warrington Borough Council's Environmental Management Ranger Service proactively manage two of the Borough's prestigous nature reserves. Both Rixton Clay Pits and Risley Moss hold Special Area for Conservation (SAC), Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Local Nature Reserve (LNR) status.
The sites are managed appropriately to further their biodiversity value. Dedicated conservation management plans prepared in partnership with Natural England are delivered by site-based ranger staff together with friends groups and partner organisations.
Future biodiversity enhancements include new pond creation schemes improving breeding habitat for one of the country's largest Great Crested Newt populations at Rixton Clay Pits SSSI. Meadow management at Rixton is also under review and opportunities for low intensity grazing are being explored. Further work to re-wet areas of Risley Moss are planned for 2009 with financial contributions from Natural England secured and commitment from the Environment Agency for additional resources.
As well as these important sites, Warrington also has over 40 designated local sites known as SINC's which represent the best local wildlife sites in the borough and are vital to the maintenance of biodivsersity of the town.
Contact
Helen Lacy, Natural Environment Officer 01925 442839