Barton Gravel Pit

Barton Gravel Pit is a small nature reserve east of Barton-le-Clay in Bedfordshire. It covers 1.1 hectares and is managed by the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. The site was once a gravel pit which has been partly filled to create flower-rich chalk grassland. Plants such as knotted hedge-parsley, common poppy and great pignut grow there. Mature beech trees provide shade and shelter for the white helleborine orchid. The reserve lies beside a public bridleway off Hexton Road. From Barton-le-Clay the second right turn leads onto the bridleway. After the path turns left the site is found 100 metres along on the left. There are no signs or information boards on site to mark the entrance. Visitors must look carefully to find the entrance. Inside the reserve the chalk grassland supports a variety of wildflowers. Beech trees create a shaded area where orchids grow. The open grassland attracts insects and birds throughout the year. The site offers a quiet spot for walking and observing wildlife. It provides a small but rich habitat close to the village.