Bedford Purlieus 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: Woodland
Area: 208 ha
Site map: Nature on the Map.
The Forestry Commission manage Bedford Purlieus NNR.
Bedford Purlieus NNR is an ancient woodland site that once formed part of the Royal Forest of Rockingham. Oak and ash are dominant but small-leaved lime, hazel, wych elm, birch and pine are also found here.
The ground flora includes lily of the valley, columbine, herb paris and fly orchid. An extensive range of fungi is present.
Muntjac and fallow deer are found on the reserve, and bird life includes nightingale, red kite, sparrowhawk, kestrel, little owl, tawny owl and long-eared owl. Reptiles at the site include adders, grass snakes, common lizards and slow worms.
The woodland has been traditionally managed by coppicing and it's thought that the Romans might have used this wood to provide charcoal for iron smelting. Ermine Street, a Roman road, forms the southern boundary to the NNR and there are many Roman remains in the area.
The reserve's name is derived from its connection with the Dukes of Bedford, who have been associated with the area since Norman times. 'Purlieus' describes land that was once part of a Royal Forest and is still subject to certain forest laws.
Location and access
Bedford Purlieus is approximately 12 km west of Peterborough and two km west of the town of Wansford. The reserve is south of the A47, the road forming part of its northern boundary. The woods are accessed via a track off the A47.
The wood is open to the public during daylight hours for purposes of quiet recreation. School and college groups wishing to visit the reserve should contact the Forestry Commission in advance by email, or telephone 01780 444394.
There is a mainline train station in Peterborough and regular bus services from Peterborough to Wansford.
A seasonal steam locomotive service is provided by the Nene Valley Railway between Peterborough and Wansford.
Wansford is also on the route of the Nene Way trail, which forms part of the Hereward Way.
Facilities
The nearest toilet and refreshment facilities are in Wansford.
