Flitwick Wood is one of Bedfordshire’s well kept secrets. One of the best times to visit is between late April and mid-May when you should hear woodland birds singing and bees buzzing amongst spring flowers which include Primroses, wild Daffodils, and a multitude of Bluebells and Ramsoms.
The wood has a circular surfaced path suitable for wheelchairs and buggies. It can be accessed from Tennyson Road, Flitwick (OS ref TL02543500), where you will find a useful information board.
A Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire Wildlife Trusts site very well described by its own website.
Potton Wood covers an area of 85 hectares and is two miles east of the small town of Potton, England. It is part of Ampthill Forest and is managed by Forest Enterprise and owned by the Forestry Commission.
Knocking Hoe NNR is an area of chalk grassland at the north end of the Chilterns. The site is of exceptional importance in supporting large populations of a number of rare plants.The site is 0.5km north of the B655 between Barton-le-Clay and Hitchin.
A Wildlife Trusts Reserve, these are steep hills and tranquil valleys in the chilterns with magnificent views of the countryside.
Lots of details and information at its own website: http://www.wildlifebcn.org/reserves/pegsdon-hills-and-hoo-bit
One of a collection or adjacent properties run by the National Trust, Sharpenhoe Clappers is a chalk escarpment featuring ancient woodland and views across the surrounding countryside.
Run by English Heritage, Wrest Park is a 90-acre country house with gardens, woodland walks, landscapes, water features, statues, etc.
Details can be found at the Friends of Tiddenfoot website.
Briefly, a varied habitat of waterside, canal-side, grassland and woodland, with all that it supports, such as waterfowl, butterflies, dragonflies and woodland plants. There is a family-friendly walk of about a mile around Tiddenfoot Lake itself.
Best described by its own website.
Barton Hills National Nature Reserve is mixed habitat of chalk grassland and beech woodland in the north Chilterns. The site is open access, and there are a number of footpaths.
Wild flowers cover the chalk grassland, including rarities such as the Pasque flower, greater pignut and field fleawort, plus classic downland plants like marjoram, rock rose and scabious. In summer you will see plenty of butterflies including chalkhill blue, marbled white and dark green fritillary.
The woodland contains an important population of large leaved lime trees and is also home to the scarce plant herb paris. Also, look out for mammals including stoats, weasels and hares.
The Nature Reserve is on the south-east side of Barton-le-Clay.