Natural England - Upwood Meadows NNR
Upwood Meadows NNR
Although most NNRs are managed by Natural England, 88 are wholly or partly managed by other bodies approved by Council, under Section 35 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
County: Cambridgeshire
Main habitats: Lowland Grassland
Area: 6 Ha
Site map: Nature on the Map.
Upwood Meadows NNR is jointly owned and managed by Natural England and The Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. Information about the reserve can be found on their website at www.wildlifebcnp.org or by telephoning 01954 713500.
Upwood Meadows NNR consists of three fields lying on badly drained clay on the edge of the Huntingdonshire fens. There are two ponds on the site and several mature hedges. The largest field, Bentley Meadow, has never been fertilised or sprayed and is richest in plant life.
The grassland has herbs like cowslip, greater burnet and dropwort. There is a large colony of green-winged orchids. The NNR is grazed by cattle in summer and areas have been re-seeded with native herbs.
Location and access
Upwood Meadows is situated to the west of the village of Upwood, three miles south west of Ramsey. From Ramsey take the road to Upwood and Great Raveley, and take the last turning on the right into Upwood village. Where the road turns sharply right continue straight ahead on the rough lane to Meadow Farm. Park in the grass car park and please close all the gates. The numerous stiles provide access to the meadows.
Facilities
The nearest toilet and refreshment facilities are in the public house in Upwood village. There is a gate to the site from the car park allowing some wheelchair access in fine weather.