Arlesey Old Moat and Glebe Meadows
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An attractive blend of |
Once associated with the ancient Manor of Arlesey Bury, the moat is the main attraction for visitors to these two adjacent reserves. In spring, frogs, toads and newts spawn and drifts of tadpoles can be seen swimming there. Later in the year, dragonflies flit over the open water, looking for suitable areas to lay their eggs.
Along the river Ivel, where yellow flag iris flowers, you can see banded demoiselle damselflies. They feed over the grassland of both reserves. The woodland is managed by coppicing. This produces dense thickets of re-growth, ideal for nesting warblers.
Glebe Meadows, (Glebe meaning lands which were originally held by the parish priest as part of his benefice), are managed in partnership with Arlesey Town Council, the Ivel and Ouse Countryside Project and Arlesey Conservation for Nature, and are rich in wild flowers, including black knapweed, cuckoo flower and the insect-mimicking bee orchid.
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Plants: Yellow flag iris, cuckoo flower, garlic mustard, ox-eye daisy Amphibians: Frogs, toads |
Plants: Black knapweed, birds-foot-trefoil, field scabious, bee orchid Insects: Banded demoiselle damselfly, dragonflies Reptiles: Common Lizard |
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