In 2007 The Greensand Trust was awarded a grant from the Breathing Places and the Big Lottery Fund to help create suitable habitats and restore one of the lakes with the help of local people and volunteers. The money has provided tools, equipment and training for volunteers to learn about conservation and how to put it into practice.

So far we have had events to learn about and hunt for dragonflies and 120 school children have looked into the site and learnt about restoration possibilities, habitats and aggregate recycling. 40 volunteers have worked to remove scrub and build steps to make the site more accessible.

There is still much more work to be done in 2008! A bird screen will be built to view the birds without disturbing them, and a boardwalk and dipping platform are yet to be installed. The hedge will be laid to strengthen it and to make it a shorter denser hedge for smaller birds to hide from predators. The area will not be freely open to the public as we want the wildlife to establish itself in this new environment.  However, there will be another family event in April-May so that people can see what has been done, and there will be a range of other conservation and study events for people and opportunities for team-building and other corporate involvement.  There will also be a continuation of the schools programme.   

So there is still time for you to get involved in the development of this exciting new nature facility! Keep an eye on our website for upcoming events.

If you are interested or want to know more about Ledburn Pit contact Alexe.Rose@greensandtrust.org or ring the Leighton Buzzard office on 01525 378101. If you would like further information about the Breathing Places scheme see www.bbc.co.uk/breathingplaces.