Castor Hanglands National Nature Reserve

Castor Hanglands is a National Nature Reserve covering nearly ninety hectares of Cambridgeshire countryside west of Peterborough. The land is common land managed by Natural England and holds two grades of conservation status. Grade I recognises its ancient ash and maple woodlands, while Grade II covers its unimproved grassland and scrub. The site sits on a gentle slope that rises above the surrounding fenland. Heath Road from Helpston leads south to the reserve entrance. Natural England describes the reserve as valuable for invertebrates, listing several nationally uncommon species. Among rare plants are crested cow-wheat, lesser water-plantain, man orchid and narrow-leaved water dropwort. Woodland butterflies such as silver-washed fritillary, purple hairstreak and white admiral fly here in summer. Ponds and ditches add aquatic habitats that support Great Crested Newts and other fauna. Visitors follow a track westward from the crossroads to reach the reserve. Inside, paths wind through the ancient woodland and across the open grassland. The ponds and ditches lie scattered among the trees and scrub. From higher ground there are wide views over the flat fenland beyond. The reserve offers quiet walking among plants and creatures that thrive on this protected land.