The hidden gem near the centre of Bedford.
Hill Rise Local Nature Reserve (LNR) is a 0.9 hectare (2.2 acres) site owned by Bedford Borough Council and jointly managed by local volunteers and the Council.
Despite its small size, the reserve is able to support a great variety of wildlife and there is always something to see at any time of the year.
Hill Rise Map
A map showing the main areas of Hill Rise
Please Refrain from Pond Dipping at Hill Rise Nature Reserve
With spawning season upon us, our ponds at Hill Rise Nature Reserve are teeming with life. This is a crucial time for many species, including great crested newts (Triturus cristatus) and midwife toads (Alytes obstetricans), which rely on these habitats for breeding. Because they are highly sensitive to disturbance, we kindly ask visitors to avoid pond dipping to help protect these special creatures.
Great crested newts are legally protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, and the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006. Disturbing them—whether by handling, capturing, or disrupting their habitat—is against the law without a special licence. Midwife toads, though not native to the UK, also need safe, undisturbed breeding sites to thrive.
To support these species during this important time of year, please enjoy watching our ponds from the edges rather than dipping nets into the water. Your help makes a big difference in keeping Hill Rise a safe and thriving home for our wildlife—thank you!
Interested in Volunteering?
There’s always tasks to be done, so come down and join in. Tools and training provided, and there’s quite often tea and cake too.
To keep up-to-date with events happening at Hill Rise, become a member of our WhatsApp group.
WhatsApp Chris on 07970 557678 to join.
September Conservation Event
2024 Hill Rise wins the Green Flag Award for the 15th year in succession
History
The site as it was in 1990. The previous year we started a campaign to turn the Hill Rise area into a Nature Reserve. We became a formidable lobbying group pressurising councillors by writing to them and inviting them to the site to see for themselves the potential of the site.
Events
We usually meet on the last Sunday of the month to carry out various conservation tasks.
There’s also groups for specific fauna, such as birds and butterflies.
Barclays Urban Life Award 1993
Green Pennant Award 2006 – 2009
BTCV Green Heros Award 2006
Anglia in Bloom Award 2007
Green Flag Award 2010 – Present
Accessibility
Access for wheelchair users and pushchairs is available but assistance may be required due to the steep slopes and uneven terrain. There are also some steep paths and uneven ground.
Although the paths are maintained regularly, please take care on your visit.
Dogs
Dogs are not allowed into the nature reserve at any time unless they are registered guide dogs who visit to assist their owners.
Dogs will disturb any wildlife such as ground nesting birds and foxes that inhabit the site.