Felmersham Nature Reserve

Felmersham Nature Reserve (officially Felmersham Gravel Pits) is a 21-hectare wetland and grassland nature reserve managed by the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire, seven miles north-west of Bedford on the River Great Ouse. Gravel extraction during the Second World War created a rich mosaic of woodland, grassland and open water. The lakes are one of the best places for dragonflies and damselflies in Bedfordshire, with no fewer than 18 species known to have bred. Wildfowl congregate on the open water, including great crested grebe, teal and tufted duck, while grey heron hunt along the banks; chiffchaff, reed bunting, and sedge and willow warblers can all be found on site. In deep water areas rare plants such as whorled water-milfoil and bladderwort have established, while the shallower margins are dominated by reed and common bulrush. The undisturbed grassland retains wild flowers such as black knapweed, common spotted orchid, lady's bedstraw and common fleabane, and the meadows are grazed by cattle. Entry is free and the reserve is open at all times. There is a car park 450 yards north of Felmersham on the Causeway. Dogs are welcome on a lead. Angling is by Wildlife Trust permit only.