The Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire and Peterborough is a wildlife trust covering the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire and the City of Peterborough in England.
The Trust manages 129 nature reserves (covering 2,900 hectares of land) for the benefit of people and wildlife. All of the reserves are free to visit – and 95% of the population of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire live within five miles of one of its reserves. The Trust works to make these wildlife havens bigger, better and more joined-up – vital to help wildlife to adapt to a changing climate. By gathering valuable information about wildlife and working with other landowners the Trust also monitors and safeguards wildlife beyond the boundary of its reserves.
Many wildlife species and habitats have disappeared over the past 50 years. Once common species such as primrose and harebell now scarcely exist outside nature reserves. Hay meadows have become rarities, while water meadows have dried out and ancient woodlands have been planted with non-native conifers. The Trust is working not just to protect what remains, but also to increase the numbers and diversity of native wild plants and animals in our countryside.
Popular reserves include: Summer Leys, Pitsford Water and Old Sulehay in Northamptonshire; Grafham Water, Gamlingay Wood and Brampton Wood in Cambridgeshire and Pegsdon Hills and Flitwick Moor in Bedfordshire.
Education Centres/Services
The Wildlife Trust has six environmental education centres, and works with local communities across the three counties, offering a range of opportunities to learn more about wildlife. This includes tailored learning for early years to sixth formers, under our ‘Really Wild Days Out’ programme linked to the national curriculum; project work for higher and further education students; teacher training sessions on environmental education for today’s teachers; learning opportunities and practical work for a variety of community groups; and family learning events enabling families with children to learn about wildlife together.
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