The Lackford gravel works are in the valley of the river Lark to the north west of Bury St Edmunds. The material being quarried was deposited by meltwater as outwash at the end of the last ice age and is found in many of our river valleys. Previous excavations have been left and have filled up with water as the water table is close to the surface. These areas of water can be used for a range of recreation such as sailing, windsurfing and fishing apart from being an important habitat for wildlife.