A wildlife-rich mosaic of habitats with free parking and a Visitor Centre just off the A1
Magpies The magpie is one of our best-known and most easily-identified birds but has a mixed reputation. On the one hand, magpies are intelligent and sociable birds, and in many cultures are supposed to bring good luck. However, they can come across as noisy and aggressive and, being omnivores, will often take eggs and chicks… Read More
Pochard As winter approaches, ducks start to return from their summer breeding grounds to spend the winter on our lakes and gravel pits. For many years, Paxton Pits volunteers have carried out monthly surveys to monitor the numbers of each species and this has shown that the pochard is one of our most common overwintering… Read More
Fungi: earthstars Earthstars are one of the most unusual fungi you will find at Paxton Pits. When the fruiting bodies first emerge from the ground, they are small and spherical and unlikely to attract your attention. Soon, however, the outer layer splits into five or more rays which spread out horizontally like a saucer, with… Read More
Ringlet butterflies Ringlets started to appear at Paxton Pits in mid-June and there should be plenty around in July. Look for them over the long grass in the meadows and around bramble flowers, one of their favourite nectar sources. They seem a rather dull dark brown at first glance but if you get a chance… Read More
Scarce chasers One of the most common dragonflies at Paxton Pits in early summer is the scarce chaser. They are a local speciality, the Great Ouse valley being their stronghold. The male has a powder blue abdomen and is often seen perched on a tall reed or grass stem on the riverbank, aggressively defending its… Read More
