Broom East

Overview

Broom East is part of the Broom Gravel Pits, where a 20-year plan for gravel extraction began in the mid 1990s. The expanding pits have been watched regularly since 1999 and Broom East has its own County Wildlife Site (CWS) status. It is one of the most watched, and photographed, birding sites in the county.

The owners, Shuttleworth College, and the extraction company, Tarmac, collaborate with the Bird Club to manage the site. This includes adjusting water levels to provide habitat for waders as well as water birds. The main viewpoint is on the access from Gypsy Lane, with other viewpoints available round the site, although planting, as part of the post-extraction landscaping, has reduced visibility. It is possible to walk round the lake, although the path on the east side is permissive. Part of the site is grazed by livestock from a local farm to help provide a rich habitat.

The wooded edges of the site provide good habitat for finches and warblers in the summer and the open areas and surrounding fields have Skylark and Meadow Pipit. There is a small area of reeds surrounding a pool at the northeast corner of the site and this is a good area for Reed Bunting and Sedge Warbler in the summer. The northern edge of the site is also good for Stonechat. A hedge on the southeast of the site is good for buntings and throws up the occasional rarity, including a Little Bunting on one occasion.

The area just north of the main viewpoint is a good place for waders. Green Sandpipers, Black-tailed Godwits, Lapwings and  Ringed Plovers are regular visitors. Rarer visitors include Glossy Ibis, Great White Egret, Spoonbill and Curlew. In summer large numbers of hirundines and Swifts hunt over the lake and Hobby can be seen hunting dragonflies or larger prey. A tern rail has been installed, and this attracts Common Tern, with Arctic and Black Terns recorded on passage.

Water birds include the usual species, with Shovelers amongst those breeding on the site. Rarer visitors include Garganey and Green-winged Teal. The winter brings larger numbers of Greylag Geese, occasionally accompanied by a Pink-footed Goose or White-fronted Goose.

Oyster Catcher – Richard Southan

Access

Main access is from Gypsy Lane, which is reached from the B658 between Biggleswade and Upper Caldecote; or between Broom village and Jordans Mill. A gap in the hedge at the Broom end gives views over the southern end. A gateway gives good views over the northern end.

Parking

Parking is possible in one of several pull-ins on Gypsy Lane. Please note that the verge parking is unofficial, so please park carefully and considerately.

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Birds