Barnack Hills & Holes National Nature Reserve

Barnack Hills & Holes National Nature Reserve is a nature reserve in Cambridgeshire featuring limestone hills and deep depressions that create varied habitats across its landscape. The terrain supports numerous plant and animal species throughout the site.

Romans began extracting limestone from this location over 1500 years ago, with the stone later used to build Peterborough and Ely Cathedrals. The quarrying left behind the distinctive hills and hollows visible today.

The reserve uses traditional ecological management through seasonal sheep grazing that keeps grass short and allows rare plants and insects to thrive in open habitats. Local conservation groups actively work to maintain these practices as part of their stewardship.

Marked walking paths are open throughout the year for visitors to explore at their own pace. Parking is available near the main entrances, making the site easy to access.

This site contains roughly half of Cambridgeshire's remaining limestone grassland, making it exceptionally rare for the region. The habitat protects several nationally scarce insect species and uncommon orchid varieties.

GPS coordinates: 52.62760,-0.41320

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:11