Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire

The Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire (WTBCN, formerly the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire and Peterborough) is a wildlife trust covering the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire in England.

The Trust manages 126 nature reserves covering 3,945 hectares of land, and it has over 35,000 members. All of the reserves are free to visit, and 95% of the population of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire live within five miles of one of its reserves.[1][2]

The Trust is working to protect and increase the numbers and diversity of native wild plants and animals in our countryside.

The charity's name was changed in October 2011 from the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire and Peterborough to Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. However the trust still covers Peterborough.

Reserves include: Summer Leys, Pitsford Water and Old Sulehay in Northamptonshire; Grafham Water, Gamlingay Wood and Brampton Wood in Cambridgeshire and Pegsdon Hills, Begwary Brook and Flitwick Moor in Bedfordshire. Some reserves, such as The Riddy in Sandy, Bedfordshire are managed by the Trust despite being owned by other bodies, such as local town or parish councils.[3]

Education centres and services

The Wildlife Trust has three environmental education centres, and works with local communities across the three counties, offering a range of opportunities to learn more about wildlife. This includes tailored learning for early years to sixth formers, under the ‘Really Wild Days Out’ programme linked to the national curriculum; project work for higher and further education students; teacher training sessions on environmental education for today’s teachers; learning opportunities and practical work for a variety of community groups; and family learning events enabling families with children to learn about wildlife together.

Bedfordshire reserves

Designations
Site Photograph Area[lower-alpha 1] Location[lower-alpha 1] Classifications Description
Arlesey Old Moat and Glebe Meadows[4] 4.3 hectares (11 acres) Arlesey
52°01′17″N 0°16′07″W / 52.0214°N 0.2686°W / 52.0214; -0.2686 (Arlesey Old Moat and Glebe Meadows)
TL189373		 Frogs, toads and newts spawn in the moat, and dragonflies lay their eggs in it. The meadows have a range of wild flowers, and woodland, which is managed by coppicing, provides a habitat for nesting warblers.[4]
Barton Gravel Pit[5] 1.1 hectares (2.7 acres) Barton-le-Clay
51°57′24″N 0°24′13″W / 51.9568°N 0.4035°W / 51.9568; -0.4035 (Barton Gravel Pit)
TL098299 		This former gravel pit has been partially filled in to become flower-rich chalk grassland. Plants include knotted hedge-parsley, common poppy and great pignut. Mature beech trees provide a habitat for the white helleborine orchid.[5]
Begwary Brook[6] 0.8 hectares (2.0 acres) Begwary
52°11′38″N 0°17′25″W / 52.1938°N 0.2904°W / 52.1938; -0.2904 (Begwary Brook)
TL169564 		Gravel extraction has created a small lake and several smaller pools and marshland. The pools are surrounded by willow trees, and plants include common fleabane and marsh woundwort. Dragonflies and damselflies are common over the marsh in the summer.[6]
Blow's Downs[7] 62.3 hectares (154 acres) Dunstable
51°53′13″N 0°29′24″W / 51.8870°N 0.49008250°W / 51.8870; -0.49008250 (Blow's Downs)
TL040220 		SSSI[8] The site has varied habitats with a large area of unimproved grassland, which cattle help to maintain. Features include a disused quarry and medieval cultivation terraces. It has nationally rare plant, Bunium bulbocastanum, and a nationally rare beetle, odontaeus armiger.[8]
Cooper's Hill[9] 12.5 hectares (31 acres) Ampthill
52°01′38″N 0°30′11″W / 52.0273°N 0.5031°W / 52.0273; -0.5031 (Cooper's Hill)
TL028376 		SSSI[10] The site is described by Natural England as the best surviving example in Bedfordshire of heathland on the thin acidic soils of the Lower Greensand Ridge. It also has areas of marsh and woodland.[10]
Cople Pits[11] 2.0 hectares (4.9 acres) Cople
52°07′48″N 0°23′24″W / 52.1301°N 0.3900°W / 52.1301; -0.3900 (Cople Pits)
TL103492 		The site has eleven long water-filled pits from gravel extraction in the 1930s, which are now surrounded by willow and hawthorn scrub. The pits have been colonised by aquatic plants. Fauna include dragonflies, kingfishers and woodpeckers, and there is also a wildflower meadow.[11]
Cut-throat Meadow[12] 1.5 hectares (3.7 acres) Ampthill
52°01′55″N 0°29′05″W / 52.0320°N 0.4847°W / 52.0320; -0.4847 (Cut-throat Meadow)
TL039380 		The reserve is in three separate areas. There is a steeply sloping meadow where Meadow saxifrage and field woodrush flower in the spring, a beech and scots pine wood, and a pond which has reedmace and celery-leaved buttercup, and water boatmen and pond skaters on the surface.[12]
Dropshort Marsh[13] 2.0 hectares (4.9 acres) Toddington
51°56′16″N 0°32′12″W / 51.9378°N 0.5366°W / 51.9378; -0.5366 (Dropshort Marsh)
TL007276 		SSSI[14] This marsh has a variety of habitats, including a scarce quaking bog. Many species are now uncommon due to changes in agricultural practices. it has several springs, with floating sweet-grass and brooklime and areas dominated by rushes.[14]
Fancott Woods and Meadows[15] 12.9 hectares (32 acres) Fancott
51°56′12″N 0°30′37″W / 51.9366°N 0.5104°W / 51.9366; -0.5104 (Fancott Woods and Meadows)
TL025275		 SSSI[16] The meadows are mainly ancient ridge and furrow, and are unimproved neutral grassland traditionally managed for hay and grazing. The woodland is mainly ash, with other species including pedunculate oak and alder. There is also a small pond.[16]
Felmersham Gravel Pits[17] 21.0 hectares (52 acres) Felmersham
52°12′54″N 0°33′03″W / 52.2149°N 0.5509°W / 52.2149; -0.5509 (Felmersham Gravel Pits)
SP991584 		SSSI[18] The site has flooded gravel pits, neutral grassland, scrub and broadleaved woodland.[18] It is described by the Wildlife Trust as one of the best sites in Bedfordshire for dragonflies and damselflies.[17]
Flitwick Moor (& Folly Wood)[19] 66.6 hectares (165 acres) Flitwick
52°00′26″N 0°28′39″W / 52.0072°N 0.4775°W / 52.0072; -0.4775 (Flitwick Moor)
TL046354		 SSSI[20] This is a rich valley mire, and the largest area of wetland in Bedfordshire. Eight species of sphagnum bog moss have been recorded, including one which is nationally rare. The site has areas of woodland as well as wet grassland.[20]
King's Wood and Rammamere Heath[21] 104.0 hectares (257 acres) Heath and Reach
51°57′20″N 0°39′45″W / 51.9555°N 0.6626°W / 51.9555; -0.6626 (King's Wood and Rammamere Heath)
SP920294 		SSSI[22] NNR[22] The site has the largest remaining area of woodland in Bedfordshire, together with lowland heath, acidic grassland and some small ponds. There are a number of rare plant species, including great woodrush, wood vetch and saw-wort.[22]
Lancot Meadow[23] 2.0 hectares (4.9 acres) Dunstable
51°53′06″N 0°32′39″W / 51.8849°N 0.5441°W / 51.8849; -0.5441 (Lancot Meadow)
TL003217 		The site is a grassland remnant on chalk soil, and a remnant of flower-rich meadows in the area. Flora include common spotted-orchids, ox-eye daisys and bird's foot trefoils. There are fauna such as song thrushes and marbled white butterflies.[23]
Landpark Wood[24] 3.6 hectares (8.9 acres) Whipsnade
51°51′18″N 0°31′34″W / 51.8550°N 0.5262°W / 51.8550; -0.5262 (Landpark Wood)
TL016184		 This wood has mature beech trees, hornbeam, oak and ash. The understorey is hazel and hawthorn, with bluebells, yellow archangel and woodruff. Birds include woodpeckers and nuthatches.[24]
Old Warden Tunnel[25] 3.8 hectares (9.4 acres) Old Warden
52°05′20″N 0°22′34″W / 52.0889°N 0.3762°W / 52.0889; -0.3762 (Old Warden Tunnel)
TL113446 		The site has oak and ash woodland with mature blackthorn and hawthorn bushes, and a steep cutting with grassland and scrub. Flowers include dwarf thistle and pyramidal orchid, and the scrub provides nesting sites for birds.[25]
Pavenham Osier Beds[26] 1.3 hectares (3.2 acres) Pavenham
52°11′07″N 0°33′12″W / 52.1853°N 0.5534°W / 52.1853; -0.5534 (Pavenham Osier Beds)
SP990551		 This is a wet meadow next to the River Great Ouse, which has the uncommon flower meadow-rue. Osier is a type of willow which is continually cut, stimulating its growth and supplying material for basket weavers. The Trust is continuing the tradition by planting more osiers.[26]
Pegsdon Hills and Hoo Bit[27] 79.0 hectares (195 acres) Pegsdon
51°57′10″N 0°22′18″W / 51.9527°N 0.3717°W / 51.9527; -0.3717 (Pegsdon Hills and Hoo Bit)
TL120295 		SSSI,[28] CAONB[27] The site has wildflower meadows in chalk hills, including orchids and moschatels. There are butterflies such as dingy and grizzled skippers, Birds include wheatears and skylarks, and herbs such as marjoram and wild thyme. Hoo Bit is a flower meadow surrounded by woodland.[27]
Riddy, TheThe Riddy[29] 7.7 hectares (19 acres) Sandy
52°07′29″N 0°17′46″W / 52.1247°N 0.2960°W / 52.1247; -0.2960 (The Riddy)
TL165487 		LNR[30] This water meadow is one of the few surviving areas of flood plain of the River Ivel. Aquatic plants include celery leaved buttercup and water plantain, and there are birds such as lapwings, fieldfares and redwings. Water voles are found along the river.[30]
Sallowsprings[31] 1.3 hectares (3.2 acres) Whipsnade
51°51′15″N 0°32′16″W / 51.8542°N 0.5379°W / 51.8542; -0.5379 (Sallowsprings)
TL008183 		This site was formerly a caravan park, and it is now a traditional hay meadow. A rich variety of flowers includes common knapweed, bluebells and cowslips. An ancient hedgerow has diverse shrubs such as holly.[31]
Sewell Cutting[32] 3.6 hectares (8.9 acres) Dunstable
51°53′39″N 0°32′51″W / 51.8942°N 0.5474°W / 51.8942; -0.5474 (Sewell Cutting)
TL005226 		The banks of this former railway cutting provide a rich habitat for chalk grassland flowers, such as common spotted orchids and cowslips. The south-facing slope has deep rooted plants such as hawkweed and scabious, while the sheltered north-facing slope has lush grasses. There are many species of butterflies.[32]
Sharnbrook Summit[33] 9.0 hectares (22 acres) Sharnbrook
52°15′01″N 0°34′38″W / 52.2502°N 0.5771°W / 52.2502; -0.5771 (Sharnbrook Summit)
SP972622 		The site is a mile long narrow strip above a rail tunnel. The reserve is grassland, grazed by rabbits, on limestone deposited during the construction of the railway. The dominant plant is tor-grass, and flowers include dyer's greenweed and wild liquorice. Scattered scrub provides food and shelter from kestrels and buzzards for small mammals and nesting birds.[33]
Totternhoe[34] 31.0 hectares (77 acres) Totternhoe
51°53′07″N 0°34′08″W / 51.8852°N 0.5688°W / 51.8852; -0.5688 (Totternhoe)
SP986217 		SSSI,[35] LNR,[36] CAONB,[37] NT[36] Part of the site was formerly quarry workings for Totternhoe stone, a strong chalk that was used in Westminster Abbey. It is now grassland with a rich variety of plant species, including some that are now rare. There are a number of orchids and a wide variety of invertebrates, including butterflies such as the common blue, chalkhill blue, and the scarce small blue and Duke of Burgundy.[35][34][36]
Wymington Meadow[33] 1.0 hectare (2.5 acres) Wymington
52°15′33″N 0°35′47″W / 52.2593°N 0.5965°W / 52.2593; -0.5965 (Wymington Meadow)
SP958632 		The site is a triangular meadow in the corner where two railway lines merge. It was cut off when the railways were constructed in the 1850s, and at the northern end there are traces of the ancient ridge and furrow method of ploughing. The site has a wide range of flowers, such as cowslip, salad burnet and quaking grass. A small stream and hedgerows provide additional habitats for wildlife.[33]

Notes

  1. 1 2 The area and location are taken from the Wildlife Trust page for each site.

References

  1. ↑ "Our Trust by numbers". Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. Retrieved 2 December 2015.
  2. ↑ "About our nature reserves". Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. Retrieved 2 December 2015.
  3. ↑ "The Riddy". Sandy Town Council. Archived from the original on 18 January 2014. Retrieved 18 January 2014.
  4. 1 2 "Arlesey Old Moat and Glebe Meadows". Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. Retrieved 21 March 2016.
  5. 1 2 "Barton Gravel Pit". Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. Retrieved 20 December 2015.
  6. 1 2 "Begwary Brook". Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. Retrieved 16 December 2015.
  7. ↑ "Blow's Downs". Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. Retrieved 24 August 2015.
  8. 1 2 "Blow's Down citation" (PDF). Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Natural England. Retrieved 24 August 2015.
  9. ↑ "Cooper's Hill". Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. Retrieved 24 August 2015.
  10. 1 2 "Cooper's Hill citation" (PDF). Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Natural England. Retrieved 24 August 2015.
  11. 1 2 "Cople Pits". Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. Retrieved 15 December 2015.
  12. 1 2 "Cut-throat Meadow". Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. Retrieved 22 September 2015.
  13. ↑ "Dropshort Marsh". Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. Retrieved 25 August 2015.
  14. 1 2 "Dropshort Marsh citation" (PDF). Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Natural England. Retrieved 25 August 2015.
  15. ↑ "Fancott Woods and Meadows". Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. Retrieved 25 August 2015.
  16. 1 2 "Fancott Woods and Meadows citation" (PDF). Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Natural England. Retrieved 25 August 2015.
  17. 1 2 "Felmersham Gravel Pits". Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. Retrieved 26 August 2015.
  18. 1 2 "Felmersham Gravel Pits citation" (PDF). Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Natural England. Retrieved 26 August 2015.
  19. ↑ "Flitwick Moor (& Folly Wood)". Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. Retrieved 26 August 2015.
  20. 1 2 "Flitwick Moor citation" (PDF). Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Natural England. Retrieved 26 August 2015.
  21. ↑ "King's Wood and Rammamere Heath". Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  22. 1 2 3 "Kings and Bakers Woods and Heaths citation" (PDF). Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Natural England. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  23. 1 2 "Lancot Meadow". Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. Retrieved 6 December 2015.
  24. 1 2 "Landpark Wood". Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. Retrieved 6 December 2015.
  25. 1 2 "Old Warden Tunnel". Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. Retrieved 23 March 2016.
  26. 1 2 "Pavenham Osier Beds (In Memory of Horace Church)". Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. Retrieved 23 March 2016.
  27. 1 2 3 "Pegsdon Hills and Hoo Bit". Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. Retrieved 16 December 2015.
  28. ↑ "Map of Deacon Hill". Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Natural England. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  29. ↑ "The Riddy". Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. Retrieved 23 March 2016.
  30. 1 2 "The Riddy". Local Nature Reserves. Natural England. 19 February 2015. Retrieved 4 October 2015.
  31. 1 2 "Sallowsprings". Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. Retrieved 6 December 2015.
  32. 1 2 "Sewell Cutting". Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. Retrieved 10 September 2015.
  33. 1 2 3 4 "Sharnbrook Summit and Wymington Meadow". Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. Retrieved 26 November 2015.
  34. 1 2 "Totternhoe". Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. Retrieved 10 September 2015.
  35. 1 2 "Totternhoe Knolls citation" (PDF). Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Natural England. Retrieved 10 September 2015.
  36. 1 2 3 "Totternhoe Knolls". Local Nature Reserves. Natural England. Retrieved 10 September 2015.
  37. ↑ "Totternhoe Knolls". Chilterns Conservation Board. Retrieved 26 March 2016.

External links

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