Join Natural England to explore the geology, archaeology, and nature of this unique undulating landscape, which was produced by quarrying to create some of Europe’s greatest medieval churches.
Today the Hills and Holes National Nature Reserve (NNR) represents half of Cambridgeshire’s surviving limestone grassland and a flora of international importance that includes the spring Pasque flower and eight orchid species. In July much of this rich flora should be on show, with large areas are covered in pink, blue, white and yellow flowers. The site is home to uncommon butterflies such as the marbled white, chalkhill blue, brown argus and green hairstreak. It’s also one of the best places to see the magical green lights of the glow-worm, which appear on warm summer nights in June and early July.
We’ll take a journey through time from tropical lime-rich seas that deposited the extensive Jurassic Lincolnshire Limestone (including the Barnack Stone), via the medieval stone industry that built Peterborough Cathedral and the village’s famous Saxon church tower, to the enclosure movement mourned by local poet (and occasional archaeologist) John Clare, and careful conservation today as an NNR.
We will consider the life and times of the Barnack Stone and its influence on the surrounding landscape, history and natural world.
Please note that the walk will go over uneven ground and is not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs. Sorry no dogs please. Please note there are no toilet facilities on the NNR.
Pre-booking is essential. Previous guided walks have been popular, so if you are unable to attend please let us know or cancel your ticket.
Location
Barnack Hills & Holes National Nature Reserve, Barnack, Cambridgeshire, PE9 3EU, United Kingdom
Additional location/direction information
Meeting point will be sent to those who have booked a place.
Schedule
Mon, 20 Jul
1:00 PM
|
3:00 PM
Duration of event
2 hours
Additional booking information
Please book a free place using this link to Eventbrite