Houghton Meadow

Once the hay is cut in July the ridges and furrows left behind when the oxen ploughed fields of the Middle Ages are revealed. Surrounding the meadows are ancient hedgerows, currently undergoing rejuvenation using traditional methods.

Almost hidden at the back of the reserve is a tiny brook, which joins the ox-bow of the Ouse towards Hemingford Grey. It is a refuge for an array of aquatic plants and domain of the distinctive hairy dragonfly. On its bank there are a series of venerable old willows, gnarled and twisted, which are home to green woodpecker and numerous insects.