Felmersham Gravel Pits facts for kids
Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
Area of Search | Bedfordshire |
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Interest | Biological |
Area | 21.6 hectares |
Notification | 1986 |
Location map | Magic Map |
Felmersham Gravel Pits is a special natural area in Bedfordshire, England. It covers about 21.6 hectares, which is like 30 football fields! This important place is found between the villages of Felmersham and Sharnbrook.
It's known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's a protected area because it has rare wildlife, plants, or geology. The site is looked after by the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire.
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A Special Place for Nature
Felmersham Gravel Pits became a protected site in 1986. It was given this special status to help protect its unique natural features. This makes sure the area stays safe for all the plants and animals that live there.
From Pits to Ponds
Before it became a nature reserve, this area was used to dig out gravel. This work stopped around 1945. After that, the big holes left by digging filled up with water, creating lovely ponds and lakes. These flooded gravel pits are now a perfect home for many creatures.
Home to Amazing Wildlife
Besides the water, Felmersham Gravel Pits has other types of habitats. There are grassy areas, bushy scrubland, and broadleaved woodlands. These different environments mean many kinds of animals and plants can live here.
The site is especially famous for its amazing collection of dragonflies and damselflies. It's one of the best places in all of Bedfordshire to see these colourful insects flying around.
Visiting Felmersham Gravel Pits
You can easily visit this nature reserve. A road called Causeway goes right through the area. The reserve is open to visitors all the time, so you can explore its beauty whenever you like.