Pegsdon Hills

Pegsdon Hills and Hoo Bit is a nature reserve east of England, covering 79 hectares near the village of Pegsdon in Bedfordshire. It straddles the border with Hertfordshire, taking in Pegsdon Hills, part of Deacon Hill and the separate Hoo Bit. The whole site lies within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Deacon Hill is also protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire manages the land. The chalk hills support wildflower meadows rich in orchids and moschatels. Butterflies like dingy skippers and grizzled skippers flutter over the swards. Wheatears and skylarks nest among the turf, while marjoram and wild thyme scent the air. Hoo Bit is a flower meadow enclosed by woodland. The reserve’s chalk grassland and scrub provide habitats for many species. Visitors reach the reserve along Hitchin Road. Paths wind up Pegsdon Hills and across Deacon Hill, offering views over the surrounding countryside. The meadows change with the seasons, from spring orchids to summer wild thyme. Woodland edges shelter birds and insects throughout the year. The contrast between open downland and shady woodland makes every visit different.