Twywell Hills and Dales

Just a few miles from Kettering, on the southern edge of Rockingham Forest, Twywell Hills & Dales is one of East Northamptonshire’s most beautiful natural spaces – and one of its best-kept secrets.

This free, 135-acre nature reserve offers sweeping open fields, limestone gullets, ancient woodland and wildflower meadows. Free to enter, free to park, and open every day.

A site of special scientific interest

Twywell Hills & Dales is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and one of the finest locations for butterflies in Northamptonshire. Over 30 species have been recorded here, including Skippers, Fritillaries and Purple Emperors. The reserve is also home to great crested newts, badgers, dragonflies, rare beetles and an extraordinary variety of wildflowers.

Twywell Hills & Dales

Explore the reserve

The reserve has three distinct areas, each offering something different:

  • The main central field is open and wide – ideal for a long walk or a quiet hour outdoors.
  • The Whitestones, formed from the limestone spoil of an ironstone quarry that operated here from 1920 to 1948, is a patchwork of grassland and flower-rich hollows, and one of the finest butterfly habitats in the county.
  • The Gullet woodland, with its steep exposed banks, is home to the stunning Purple Emperor and Silver-washed Fritillary. The reserve also features a heritage fruit orchard, a pontoon and deck area beside the water, and trees planted in honour of Queen Elizabeth II.

A coffee van is on site Wednesday to Sunday.

Twywell is home to a host of birds, including the stunning Purple Emperor and Silver-washed Fritillary
The main central field is open and wide
Twywell Hills and Dales is famed for its butterflies.

Meet our ranger – Luke Parker

Twywell Hills & Dales is cared for by Luke Parker, who took up the permanent Ranger role in November 2024. Luke manages the habitats, maintains the trails, monitors wildlife through on-site trail cameras and works to grow a thriving volunteer community around the reserve. His monthly wildlife updates on social media offer a glimpse into the creatures and seasonal changes that most visitors never see. Take a peek at his Twywell Trail Camera night time footage HERE.

Meet our Ranger Luke
The stunning landscape at Twywell Hills & Dales.

Get involved

We welcome volunteers at Twywell Hills & Dales. Whether you have a few hours or want to make it a regular commitment, there are plenty of ways to get stuck in.

Get in touch via the Friends of Twywell Hills & Dales Facebook group (link to https://www.facebook.com/groups/twywellnaturereserve) or follow our Groundwork Northamptonshire social media channels for news and updates. Also check out our Ranger’s own Instagram account, packed with films, photos and wildlife magic.