Greatham Beck
Greatham Beck is a small but ecologically-rich nature reserve located along the western edge of the Fens Estate. Covering around 1 hectare, the site offers a variety of stream and woodland habitats that support a wide range of wildlife.
Natural features
The beck includes:
- meanders and backwaters
- shingle beds and sandy banks
- steep, vegetated earth banks
These features create a dynamic environment for plants and animals.
Flora and woodland
The reserve is home to a mix of wildflowers and woodland plants, including butterbur, cow parsley, lesser burdock, hedge woundwort, garlic mustard and herb robert.
The beck is lined with deciduous woodland, with trees such as hawthorn, ash, oak, beech, lime and crack willow.
Fallen and dead wood is left in place to support biodiversity.
Wildlife
This rich and varied combination of habitat supports most common woodland and farmland birds and observant visitors may encounter species such as great spotted woodpecker and sparrowhawk. Small mammals include common shrew, water shrew, field mouse, field vole, hedgehog, weasel, and various species of bats, including pipistrelle, natterer's and daubenton’s.