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Description
Bedford Purlieus NNR is an ancient woodland. It still has the remains of buildings used by the RAF in the Second World War. Well before this the ancient Romans used the site for iron smelting. Today the woodland is one of the last remaining places to see Lesser Spotted Woodpecker in the county, though now in serious decline the abundance of standing dead wood is helping this bird to just cling on. A visit in March-April before trees come into leaf gives you the best chance to see this species. Listen out for it's long 'kee-kee-kee-kee-kee-kee-kee-kee' call or it's prolonged 15 second long drumming.
(*1) (press STAR on map), the long 'dirt road' along it's Western edge is driveable, BUT BE AWARE this road is sometimes closed by North and South gates, the car park (free 8 spaces) is outside the North gate and is always open. On entering the woodland from this car park look and listen for Marsh Tit throughout the year. In Spring/Summer look for Blackcap, Garden Warbler, Willow Warbler, Common Chiffchaff and Greater Whitethroat.
(*2), the main East West Central path is the best place for Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, the Eastern end being a particular favourite spot.
(*3), the long 'dirt road' can also be productive, this road is tree lined for most of it's length, so is always worth checking out.
As well as birds the woodland has a excellent reputation for Butterflies (Lepidoptera) in Summer, with Dark Green Fritillary (Speyeria aglaja), White Admiral (Limenitis camilla), Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia), White-letter Hairstreak (Satyrium w-album) and Purple Hairstreak (Favonius quercus). It is worth mentioning that the White-letter Fritillary was badly affected by the spread of 'Dutch Elm Disease' (Ascomycota - sac fungi) in the 1970's, but the use of disease resistant Elm (Ulmus) cultivars has helped the White-letter Fritillary recover and extend it's range.
Details
Access
The long distance A47 main road from Peterborough (10 miles) to the East and Leicester (31 miles) to the West passes directly past the site on the Northern edge, unfortunately the 'dirt road' to the car park is not signed from the main A47 road, press P on map for directions.