New Clophill Lakes nature reserve opens to public in Bedfordshire
The Greensand Ridge forms a backdrop to the reserve, which lies in the heart of the Flit Valley. Much of the reserve is recognised as a county wildlife site where visitors can see otters, wetland birds, dragonflies and damselflies.People are asked to keep dogs on a lead at all times and stick to paths in order to protect wildlife and the archaeological earthworks which are "extremely fragile and vulnerable to erosion" if walked over.Cainhoe Castle was built on a natural hill, mostly likely by Nigel d'Aubigny shortly after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The trust said there was evidence of pre-Roman, Roman and Anglo-Saxon activity on the site.The trust pointed out that metal detecting was also prohibited and it would be managing daily public access from Saturday 09:00-17:00 with a cafe open 10:00-15:00.
Ms Welham said: "We are delighted to have reached a point where we are now able to welcome people to enjoy this stunning site."A stroll around the lakes is a wonderful way to appreciate this fantastic natural environment, its lakes, river and wetlands, as well as the scale of its heritage. "I hope people will see what we are trying to achieve and support us."
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