The Bumpy is a former gravel extraction pit in Littlebury Green which is owned by the Parish Council and is being developed as a Nature Reserve by a group of volunteers. Our aims are to encourage a wide diversity of vegetation and wildlife, with open and wooded areas, plant with only native species to minimise the impact of potential future disease and to encourage community participation in the development and ongoing maintenance.
We have planted over 800 sapling trees and shrubs and installed over 20 bird boxes, bee and insect habitats. Regular species counts have identified over 60 wildflowers and grasses, 40 butterflies and moths, 20 birds, and animal visitors that include bats, badgers and foxes.
The Bumpy is always open to visitors. A network of paths enables easy access and there are benches where you can sit and enjoy nature. If you would like to know more about our project or join the volunteer group please contact Jeremy Featherstone (jjrfeatherstone@hotmail.com)
Recent Posts
- Summer ends & Autumn begins in The Bumpy
As everyone knows, it has been an extraordinary summer; five heatwaves, temperatures that repeatedly topped 35oC, and almost no rain. The flora and fauna of The Bumpy have had a lot to contend with. Across the long, hot summer, the Bumpy Volunteer Group (BVG) toiled to keep as much as possible alive. The hosepipe ban… Read more: Summer ends & Autumn begins in The Bumpy - News from The Bumpy – Summer, 2026
Large Skipper feeding on Black Horehound in The Bumpy As I write, we find ourselves in the grip of the third heatwave of the year (so far). Even the resilient Stinging Nettles are showing signs of water and heat stress. There has been very little rain since early spring, and the free-draining soils of The Bumpy… Read more: News from The Bumpy – Summer, 2026 - The Bumpy Open Day 13th June 10 am – 1 pm
- Spring News from the Bumpy 2026
A transformation is underway at The Bumpy – spring has arrived and nature has moved up a gear to meet it head on. The first blossom (Cherry Plum) appeared in early March, soon to be followed by Blackthorn, Viburnum and Wild Cherry. Hawthorn is expected to join the show anytime soon. Meanwhile, at ground level,… Read more: Spring News from the Bumpy 2026 - Another Year in The Bumpy
Resting under a layer of snow as I write, Littlebury Green’s village nature reserve has enjoyed another eventful year. This time last year, the Bumpy Volunteer Group (BVG) was creating what has become a significant feature in the reserve; a protective “dead hedge” around the central badger setts. Once the forest of nettles finally dies… Read more: Another Year in The Bumpy