Bardney Limewoods National Nature Reserve

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Overview

The group of small but beautiful woods which constitute the Bardney Limewoods NNR are the most important small-leaved lime woodlands in Britain. Spring and summer are the best times to see the fresh green leaves of the limes, and woodland flowers including lily-of-the-valley, early purple orchid, yellow archangel and bugle. Butterflies to look out for include white admiral, purple hairstreak and brown hairstreak. These woods, which date back to the Middle Ages, are also home to nightingales and woodcock along with many other woodland birds. The woodlands cover a wide range of soil and drainage conditions, resulting in a varied ground flora and a range of different tree and shrub communities. There is a visitor centre and butterfly garden at the largest of the woods, Chambers Farm Wood, where a waymarked trail leads through the woodland, with paths also offering wheelchair access for disabled visitors.

Location

Bardney

About the area

Much of the fenland around the Wash has been drained of its marshes and reclaimed as highly productive farmland. Further north, the coastline, with its sandy beaches, has been developed to accommodate the holiday industry, with caravans, campsites and the usual seaside paraphernalia.