Felmersham Gravel Pits
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Idyllic water-filled pits, woodland and flower-rich grassland with a wonderful array of dragonflies and damselflies |
When gravel was extracted towards the end of the Second World War, little did people know that they were creating a superb wildlife habitat. Decades on and a rich mosaic of woodland, grassland and open water has developed.
The lakes are one of the best places for dragonflies and damselflies in Bedfordshire, with no fewer than 18 species known to have bred. The nearby Great Ouse brings in even more species, with adults hunting over the water and grassland. Wildfowl congregate on the open water. 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 bullrush. The islands formed by extraction now support alder and yellow and purple-loosestrife.
The undisturbed grassland retains wild flowers such as black knapweed, common spotted orchid, lady's bedstraw and common fleabane and is flanked on the boundary by established hedgerows of dogwood, hawthorn and blackthorn. Elm re-growth feeds caterpillars of the white-letter hairstreak butterfly.
Birds: Chiffchaff, teal, tufted duck, reed bunting |
Plants: Yellow-rattle Birds: Willow warbler, blackcap, whitethroat, grey heron, great crested grebe |
Plants: Bladderwort, common fleabane, flowering-rush, purple-loosestrife Insects: Hairy dragonfly, white-legged, red-eyed and azure damselflies Birds: Kingfisher, reed, sedge and willow warblers Reptiles: Grass snake |
Birds: Great spotted woodpecker, chiffchaff, tufted duck |