Lancot Meadow

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.