The Langdyke Countryside Trust established Swaddywell Pit Nature Reserve in 2003.Located south of the village of Helpston near Peterborough, Swaddywell was the site of a quarry since Roman times and takes its name from a nearby spring where, reputedly, an ancient sword was once found. Over time Swordy Well became Swaddywell and the spring itself probably now lies beneath nearby King Street.