The West Cambs Hundreds is an area between Gamlingay, Cambourne and Comberton, and includes several ancient woodland nature reserves, as well as the more accessible Cambourne Nature Reserve. All of these nature reserves are managed by the Wildlife Trust BCN.
This activity is good for wellbeing because
- there are group activities for all ages that often involve taking notice of your surroundings and learning about nature – this can be a very mindful and calming experience;
- walking is a good way to start getting active;
- volunteering your time and skills to conserve the natural environment feels good.
“I really enjoyed the walk yesterday, and having the opportunity to talk about the woodland plants and the butterflies (I hope I can identify more of them now!). It was also good to meet the other two and be able to chat as we went round. I certainly look forward to more of your walks.”
How to contact
Phone
Where to go
Cambourne Nature Reserve
Great Cambourne
Cambourne
Cambridge
UK
Hardwick Wood
Hardwick
Cambridge
UK
Hayley Wood Nature Reserve
Little Gransden
Cambridge
UK
Gamlingay Wood
Gamlingay
Sandy
UK
Waresley & Gransden Wood
Sandy
UK
What to expect
The Communities and Wildlife Officer, Becca, organises a range of activities for all ages and interests in these nature reserves, or you can just enjoy visiting on your own. Activities include:
Guided walks
These are gentle strolls of around 2-3 miles looking at seasonal wildlife. There are also more specialist walks learning about bird song or bats. These activities are usually in small groups.
Little Bugs
Outdoor sessions for toddlers and their parents/carers, exploring Cambourne Nature Reserve and learning about nature and supporting the development of children using natural play
Wild Babies
Outdoor sessions for parents/carers of pre-walking babies that involve strolling on buggy-friendly paths and then sitting somewhere together to chat and do a fun activity.
Wild in the Woods
These family sessions take place in the school holidays and include activities like pond dipping, bug hunting, adventure walks and shelter-building.
Volunteering
There are many different volunteering opportunities available including practical work parties managing nature reserves, helping toads to cross roads, and supporting the Wildlife Trust BCN’s work with people.
The website has information about events and volunteering opportunities or you can contact Becca directly on [email protected]
More info
None of these nature reserves have an education centre so all activities are outdoors. Come prepared for the weather! There are no cafes, shops or public toilets on site either.
Cambourne Nature Reserve and Waresley and Gransden Nature Reserve have designated parking. Cambourne Nature Reserve has wheelchair and buggy-friendly paths.
All of the nature reserves are open all day, every day but camping, campfires and BBQs are not allowed. Dogs are allowed if they are on lead.
Wildlife Trust BCN nature reserves sometimes have restricted access to protect paths or to undertake essential forestry work, for example. Please check the website before you visit.
Visiting these nature reserves is free, however donations to the Trust are welcome.
Some events and activities require booking in advance or a booking fee – check the website for details.
These nature reserves are managed by The Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire – to visit more reserves in the area visit the website.
All photos by Rebecca Neal.
How to contact
Phone
Where to go
Cambourne Nature Reserve
Great Cambourne
Cambourne
Cambridge
UK
Hardwick Wood
Hardwick
Cambridge
UK
Hayley Wood Nature Reserve
Little Gransden
Cambridge
UK
Gamlingay Wood
Gamlingay
Sandy
UK
Waresley & Gransden Wood
Sandy
UK
