[2] It is designated a 39.9-hectare (99-acre) biological Site of Special Scientific Interest called Fowlmere Watercress Beds.

The watercress was washed and packed on site before being taken by horse and cart to Shepreth station and thence to Covent Garden Market in London.

The abandoned cress beds became overgrown with reeds and the site is now managed to preserve a wide variety of habitats.

One area is grazed by cattle and sheep, which is helping to bring back wildflowers such as cowslips, southern marsh orchids and goatsbeard.

Another area is mown in late autumn and the cuttings raked off to prevent the soil from becoming richer and thus allowing stronger plants to take over.