Marston Thrift

Marston Thrift

Site of Special Scientific Interest
Location	Bedfordshire
Grid reference	SP973417
Interest	Biological
Area	37.4 hectares
Notification	1984
Location map	Magic Map

Marston Thrift is a 37.4-hectare (92-acre) biological Site of Special Scientific Interest between Marston Moretaine and Cranfield in Bedfordshire. It was notified in 1984 under Section 28 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the local planning authority is Central Bedfordshire Council.^[1][2] It is also a Local Nature Reserve, which extends to a larger area of 55.8 hectares.^[3][4]

The site is ash and maple woodland on heavy clay, a habitat which has become scarce in lowland England. It also has areas of damp grassland, and a grassland valley. It is an important site for butterflies, including the rare black hairstreak.^[1][3]

There is access from a car park at Wood End,^[3] and by footpaths from Cranfield and Marston Moretaine.

References

1. "Marston Thrift citation" (PDF). Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Natural England. Retrieved 23 August 2015.
2. "Map of Marston Thrift". Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Natural England. Retrieved 23 August 2015.
3. "Marston Thrift". Local Nature Reserves. Natural England. 18 February 2013. Retrieved 23 August 2015.
4. "Map of Marston Thrift". Local Nature Reserves. Natural England. Retrieved 23 August 2015.

52.065°N 0.583°W / 52.065; -0.583