Begwary Brook
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Attractive marsh and open pools, next to the meandering river Great Ouse |
Riverside marshes such as this are now rare because of large-scale drainage over recent years. This area was once a large marsh fed by the River Ouse, but in the 1960s gravel extraction created a small lake and a series of pools in the small area of marsh which survives today. Willow trees fringe the water's edge, creating an air of tranquillity for visitors when walking around this diverse nature reserve.
From swans floating majestically across the water, to tall vegetation swaying gently in the breeze, Begwary Brook offers a range of interest at any time of year. Great burnet, an indicator of old pasture, survives here together with common fleabane and marsh woundwort, inviting insects to feed on nectar.
Warblers sing from the dense growth in spring and foxes are easily disturbed from their daytime resting places at any time of the year. In summer, dragonflies and damselflies hawk over the marsh, looking for an easy meal.
Birds: Reed bunting Mammal: Fox |
Plants: Marsh marigold, cuckooflower Insects: Orange tip and speckled wood butterflies Birds: Sedge, reed and willow warblers, blackcap |
Plants: Wild angelica, common fleabane, hemp agrimony, purple-loosestrife, marsh woundwort Reptiles: Grass snake Birds: Kingfisher |
Birds: Goldcrest |