Overview
This area of rough grassland and young plantation is situated in northernmost Bedford and is bordered by the Renhold Brook and the newer Renhold parish estates to the south, Salph End to the west, and Church End to the north
The plantation primarily consists of birch, oak and hawthorn at its northern end, and willow and alder to the south, however also has a wide variety of other fruit-bearing trees that are attractive to birds, particularly apple and cherry.
From only a year’s worth of concerted recording, the area has built a strong list, but would benefit from greater coverage, as there are definitely good birds to be had here. The Glossy Ibis of December 2020, although arguably just outside the site boundary, is a case in point!
Access
See access points indicated on map.
Parking
Roadside parking is available on Pedley Way or Maskell Drive. These are small residential roads so please park consideratey as space is limited.
Birds
Early winter is the most productive time to visit the site, where fruit and seed crops are at their height. In November it is not unusual to observe three-figure numbers of both Redwing and Fieldfare, and this is also the best time for Redpoll – double figures are often present, particularly in the birches along the path to the east of the play area.
While numbers of the above three species tend to reduce as winter progresses, there are many other species of interest present, through to March. The grassland area with young planted trees to the NE of the play area is excellent for Stonechat, Reed Bunting, and, on occasion, Barn Owl. Siskin, Marsh Tit, Blackcap and Chiffchaff are all regular, and the very SE of the site, down at the Renhold Brook, is one of the most reliable places in the county for Bullfinch. Greenfinch flourish here, with up to 50 birds in the winter of 2024/5, a time which also attracted up to four Hawfinch. The latter birds preferred the willow-fringed small pools and surrounding areas towards the south of the site for feeding, and while undeniably part of a nation-wide influx, it is not inconceivable to suggest that this species could be a regular winter fixture here – particularly with the abundance of cherry trees in the area.
In addition, the fields to the NW of the site attract regular Common Snipe, and Woodcock are often present, particularly very early in the morning, in the plantation area to the east of the play area. The fields of Mark Rutherford school are close by to the west, and their proximity can bring visiting gulls to Pedley Birches, with good numbers of Common Gull, a few records of Yellow-legged Gull, and one of Caspian Gull.
The area at the north end appears to have good potential for raptors and owls, and has had a record of Merlin; more prolonged study will surely reap greater rewards.
Outside of winter, passage periods offer the possibility of oddities, with both Common and Black Redstart recorded in 2025. Stonechat, Garden Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat numbers have a tendency to increase at this time of year, particularly in September – when Spotted Flycatcher can also turn up. Reed and Sedge Warblers are possible towards the south of the site; May is a good month to look.
The rest of the year is quieter, and in summer the site is far stronger for Odonata than birds – but there is still enough to interest the visitor; Kingfisher and Grey Wagtail breed on the brook, and Little Egret is often to be seen, as well as Hobby.
