England · five wildlife sites
Nature reserves & wildlife sites in Bedfordshire
Explore these places for wildlife in Bedfordshire. Seasonal notes suggest when to look; sightings are not guaranteed.
01 / 05
The Lodge
Near Sandy
- Habitat
- A mix of restored heathland, oak woodland and sandy grassland.
- Wildlife to look for
- Hobby (spring–summer), raven, common lizard (warmer months), spotted flycatcher (summer).
02 / 05
Pegsdon Hills and Hoo Bit
Near Pegsdon, near Hitchin
- Habitat
- Flower-rich chalk hills and sheltered valleys bordered by woodland.
- Wildlife to look for
- Dingy skipper butterfly (spring), grizzled skipper butterfly (spring), skylark (especially spring–summer), glow-worm (summer nights), fallow deer.
03 / 05
Flitwick Moor and Folly Wood
Near Flitwick
- Habitat
- A mix of fen, damp meadows and wet woodland.
- Wildlife to look for
- Water rail (elusive), great spotted woodpecker, cuckoo (spring–early summer), garden warbler (spring–summer), common frog (especially spring).
- Access note
- Pedestrian access remains open; the public car park is closed.
04 / 05
Cooper’s Hill
Near Ampthill
- Habitat
- Heather-covered heathland with sandy clearings, small wet areas and surrounding woodland.
- Wildlife to look for
- Green tiger beetle (spring–summer), small copper butterfly (spring–autumn), willow warbler (spring–summer), goldcrest, siskin (especially winter).
05 / 05
Totternhoe
Near Totternhoe, near Dunstable
- Habitat
- Old chalk quarries and grassy slopes covered in wildflowers and patches of scrub.
- Wildlife to look for
- Duke of Burgundy butterfly (spring), small blue butterfly (late spring–summer), chalkhill blue butterfly (summer), green woodpecker, glow-worm (summer nights).