Arising from the rubble of a mediaeval quarry, Barnack Hills and Holes is one of Britain’s most important wildlife sites. The site represents half of the surviving limestone grassland in Cambridgeshire, and is designated as a Special Area for Conservation to protect the orchid rich grassland. Main habitats: lowland grassland, scrub Area: 22 hectares Features of interest Further information about the NNR, its wildlife and special features is on the Barnack Hills and Holes visitor leaflet. For more information on seasonal highlights at the reserve see Natural England’s page on Barnack Hills and Holes in the National Archive. Directions The reserve is situated at the south-west corner of Barnack village, 2 miles from the A1, west of Peterborough. The reserve is situated less than 5 minutes walk from Barnack. A public footpath (Barnack No. 2 footpath) crosses the southern boundary of the Reserve, linking the villages of Barnack and Southorpe. Buses from Peterborough and Stamford serve the village hourly. The nearest train station is Stamford (4 miles). The reserve is not signposted from public roads but is easy to find as it lies immediately to the south and west of Barnack village, 2 miles from the A1 west of Peterborough. The main car park is on Wittering Road (on the north side of the reserve), with additional lay-by parking on Walcot Road (east side). Voluntary car parking charges can be paid in advance or on the day using the RingGo app. Travellers from the north should leave the A1 at the Barnack turn, half a mile after the Carpenter’s Lodge (Stamford) junction. From the south, leave the A1 at Wansford, take the A47 towards Peterborough and then after 1 mile turn left to follow the minor road through Southorpe to Barnack. School and community groups Guided walks are offered to community groups, and activity visits can also be arranged for schools – these are most suitable for Key Stage 3 and 4. The reserve also provides opportunities for A level and undergraduate studies looking at vegetation transects across the hilly terrain. Volunteers The reserve is always looking for volunteers – for example patrolling, site management, plant recording, or help with events. On Mondays and Wednesdays volunteers help with habitat restoration or maintenance work such as fencing, scrub clearance, or coppicing. Contact Email enquiries@naturalengland.org.uk
Telephone: 0300 060 3900