Felmersham Gravel Pits named among UK’s best hidden gems
A popular wildlife habitat in Felmersham has been revealed in a list of top 10 hidden gem spots within a two-hour drive from London.
The list has been compiled to identify the top hidden spots in each British county, ranking them on accessibility, weather, pollution and visitor reviews.
Felmersham Gravel Pits was ranked third in the list with an overall score of 60.84 our of 100 and highlighted as a must visit for people looking to escape city life and discover some of the UK’s best-kept secrets.
Gravel at the pits, managed by the Wildlife Trust, was extracted after the Second World War creating what has become a superb wildlife habitat featuring open water surrounded by woodland and grassland.
The site, managed by the Wildlife Trust, has flooded gravel pits which were worked until about 1945. Other habitats are neutral grassland, scrub and broadleaved woodland. It’s also known as one of the best sites in Bedfordshire for dragonflies and damselflies, with no fewer than 18 species known to have bred there.
Wildfowl include great crested grebe, teal and tufted duck, while grey heron hunt along the banks. Chiffchaff, reed bunting, and sedge and willow warblers can also be found on site.
Rare plants such as whorled water-milfoil and bladderwort grow in the deep water, while the shallower waters are dominated by reed and common bullrush.
The undisturbed grassland features wild flowers such as black knapweed, common spotted orchid, lady's bedstraw and common fleabane with hedgerows of dogwood, hawthorn and blackthorn.
A spokesperson for car rental experts SIXT, which compiled the data, said: “Every year, thousands of people jet away for the summer holidays or take a staycation across the UK. However, with the cost of living and over-tourism, many are now opting for ‘undiscovered’ locations for their weekends, annual leave, or school holidays.
“We’ve seen it happen with several ‘hidden gems’ going viral across TikTok and Instagram – making them no longer the secrets they once were.
“That’s why we’ve analysed data to find the best-kept secret in each county across the UK, helping you choose where to head this year.”