Lancot Meadow

Lancot Meadow credit. Pat Doody
Image of Lancot Meadow

Image by Pat Doody

Lancot Meadow

A small chalky meadow with wildflowers and butterflies

Location

On the western outskirts of
Dunstable
Bedfordshire

OS Map Reference

TL 003 217
A static map of Lancot Meadow

Know before you go

Size
2 hectares
image/svg+xmlz

Entry fee

No
image/svg+xml

Grazing animals

Yes
image/svg+xml

Walking trails

Fairly well trodden paths

image/svg+xml

Access

Yes

Dogs

image/svg+xmlOn a lead

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

April to June, July to August

About the reserve

This is a small nature reserve but it is full of interest, not least because it is chalky but not on the steep slopes of the downs! The grassland is a remnant of what would have been large areas of flower-rich meadows around the edge of Dunstable. As the town grew, these meadows became fragmented and smaller. Lancot Meadow retains much of the interest of days-gone-by, with common spotted-orchid, ox-eye daisy and birds-foot-trefoil.

Ancient drove roads are found on two sides of the reserve, where the hooves of thousands of animals have worn wide tracks, on their way to and from the livestock markets of the town. Berry-laden hedgerows provide a feast for wintering birds, visiting to escape the ravages of harsh northern winters.   

Additional information

  • Scroll down to see the reserve boundary. Please note the boundary map is for indication purposes only and does not show the Wildlife Trusts definitive land boundary. 

FOR ANY MEDIA ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT OUR COMMUNICATIONS TEAM:   communicationsteam@wildlifebcn.org or 01954 713500 and ask for comms team.

Contact us

Contact number: 01234 364213

Location map

Betony at Upwood Meadows June  - c. Robert Enderby

Betony at Upwood Meadows June  - c. Robert Enderby

Support our work

Did you enjoy your visit? From donating to volunteering, there are many different ways you can help us restore and protect local wildlife. We can't do this without you!

How you can help

Become a member

Help fight the rapid decline in wildlife across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire and enjoy some fabulous benefits. From only £3.50/month

Join us today