Overview
Wildlife Trust BCN: In the heart of the Flit Valley, this wetland was left behind when peat was cut from the site as recently as the 1960s. The peat was used in the purification of natural gas. Long before that, the naturally iron-rich groundwater that bubbled up to the surface from springs was bottled and sold as a tonic for the blood.
Now the reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Woodlands of oak and birch and dense stands of bracken reveal the acidic nature of the site; acidic springs rise in the reserve. Alder woods have developed in the wetter areas. The wet fen and truly boggy nature of the mire provide the real treasures of the site, including fluffy seed heads of cottongrass, ten species of sphagnum moss and marsh pennywort the round leaves of which creep via slender underground stems. The flowers of meadowsweet, purple loosestrife and square-stalked St John’s-wort all bloom in summer.
Tall reeds fringe open water where frogs and toads spawn in spring. The vegetation provides ideal cover for the elusive Water Rail, only given away by its eerie squealing call. In summer, warblers voice their scratchy songs.
Access
Parking
Due to anti-social behaviour, the parking area at Flitwick Moor nature reserve has been closed off with a gate. There will still be public pedestrian access along the track from Maulden Road – and access from the various other entrances around the reserve has remained unchanged.
Parking for authorised, prebooked events and guided walks can still be arranged. Contact: bedfordshire@wildlifebcn.org
