| This is a magical place steeped in natural
and human history in an Area of oustanding Natural Beauty. The Icknield Way,
an ancient trackway, passes through the reserve, which is a mixture of chalk
grassland and scrub fringed by old beech trees.
The woodland on the north side of the reserve
contains some fine old beech trees, underneath which can be found the elegant
flowers of the white helleborine. Further up on the hill itself is a series
of steep rutted banks, formed through many years of cartwheels and animals
moving through. These steep banks carved into the chalk are covered by
chalk grassland. The hill provides a good example of the succession of vegetation from open grassland to scrub and ultimately woodland which usually happens when grazing has ceased. The scrub provides a good habitat for song birds including a small area of hazel coppice. At the far end of the reserve within an area of mature scrub are two dew ponds which support aquatic plants and creatures not normally found on a predominantly chalk hill. The name Telegraph Hill comes from the site of a wooden telegraph station built in 1808, linking the Admiralty in London to Great Yarmouth. It is also the only remaining fragment of the old Lilley Hoo Common. The Trust has a management agreement with the landowner. |
 The reserve is maintained for both its archaeological and wildlife
value. The grassland is mown and the scrub cleared. |
| Visiting |
 Take the B655 from Hitchin towards Barton-le-Clay. Turn
right in Pegsdon village, towards Shillington. Immediately turn left
and park in the layby. The reserve entrance is opposite the B655 via a
public footpath. Walk across the large field towards the distant hills.
Take the route that skirts the right hand side of the large escarpment,
known as Barn Hole, walk across the grassland at the top towards the
woodland to reach Telegraph Hill.
|
 Bus stops on Luton Road, Lilley; 5 kilometres away. |
 Accessible at all times. |
 All year. |
 Good walking shoes recommended. |