12 beautiful British nature reserves for a wild summer staycation

Wicken Fen, Cambridgeshire 

Why go? Wicken Fen is the Countrywide Trust’s oldest nature reserve. Drained in the 17th century, it has been rewilded and is house to 9,000 species of plants, birds and mammals which includes much more than 150 threatened species.

Lie of the land In the earlier 20 years, Wicken has a lot more than doubled in measurement to 2,000 acres, recreating wetland and reedbed habitats. The Wicken Fen Eyesight, begun in 1999, is a 100-yr prepare to boost the area to 20 sq. miles for long term generations.

Wildlife highlights: Bittern, marsh harrier, terrific crested newt, the tiny pipistrelle bat moreover butterflies (commas, gatekeepers, meadow browns, green-veined whites), dragonflies and damselflies are all ample. Since the begin of rewilding, several fowl species have returned which include cranes, shorter-eared owls and lapwings. nationaltrust.org.united kingdom

How to discover: Readers can walk, cycle or experience horses along far more than 30 miles of footpaths, cycleways and bridleways. The Boardwalk and Woodland Wander on Sedge Fen are accessible and appropriate for buggies, mobility scooters and wheelchairs.

The place to stay: The Previous Corridor, Ely (01353 663275 theoldhallely.co.uk) from £171 B&B for a double home.

Derbyshire Dales, Peak District

Why go? South-west of Sheffield, in the centre of the Peak District Countrywide Park, the reserve is manufactured up of 5 valleys covering 385 hectares, 87 for every cent of which is classed as a Site of Distinctive Scientific Curiosity (SSSI). With each other, they depict some of the ideal limestone landscapes in England.

Lie of the land The reserve’s key habitats are limestone grassland, woodlands, hay meadows, streams and dew ponds. The grasslands are among the the most flower-abundant in Britain with a single sq. metre that contains up to 40 different species like Jacob’s ladder, bloody cranesbill, globe flower and a variety of orchids.

Wildlife highlights: Dippers, kingfishers and gray wagtails additionally other breeding birds including buzzards, ravens, wheatears, redstarts, curlews and golden plovers. Water voles can be spotted alongside the banking companies of the rivers and brown hares in open up spaces. visitderbyshire.co.british isles

How to explore: Lathkill Dale, 1 of the 5 valleys, is the most straightforward to negotiate on foot with the other dales better for seasoned walkers. The Limestone Way and Monsal Trail operate via or close to the NNR. The nearest prepare stations are in Buxton and Matlock.

Where by to remain: The Oakhill near Matlock (01629 822211 oakhillcromford.co.united kingdom) has rooms from £119.