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  • About the Greensand Ridge
  1. Discover the Greensand Ridge
  2. About the Greensand Ridge

About the Greensand Ridge

Wander into one of the Greensand Ridge's ancient woodlands in late April and you'll encounter drifts of bluebells. Listen and you might hear the buzz of bees and hoverflies and the songs of woodland birds newly arriving from winters spent far to the south. The Greensand Ridge is one of the few places in Central England where thin, sandy soils support lowland heathland and acid grassland - distinctive landscapes which support specific wildlife and vegetation and need to be protected to thrive. 

The varied geology of the Ridge has created a distinctive mosaic of habitats and land uses. The steep scarp slopes to the north of the Ridge contrast with the gently-folded slopes to the south. All along the shallow valleys springs feed streams which carry acidic water down to the valley of the River Flit which meanders through Flitwick Moor, a unique peatland of national significance.

The well-wooded, mature and attractive landscape contains a number of places to visit such as Rushmere Country Park in Heath and Reach to the west, the RSPB's nature reserve at The Lodge near Sandy and the popular Greensand Ridge Walk running the entire distance.

The Greensand Ridge Walk

The Greensand Ridge Walk is a long-distance walk of 40 miles (64 km) that crosses Bedfordshire, with brief sections in Cambridgeshire and Buckinghamshire. From its southern endpoint at Leighton Buzzard the route runs north-west to Gamlingay, following the Greensand Ridge, a distinctive feature that rises from surrounding clay vales to give a landscape of gently rolling hills and small valleys, often heavily wooded and rich in wildlife.

For more information on the walk and to download maps visit Central Bedfordshire Council's website.

Published: 20th February, 2017

Updated: 22nd August, 2018

Author:

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    Main entrance located in Linslade Road, Heath and Reach, Beds LU7 0EB

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    A great place to discover nature and enjoy the outdoors with over 400 acres of woodland, heathland and meadows to enjoy - a fabulous site for walking, cycling, horse riding and wildlife with restaurant, takeaway, visitor centre and events.

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    Ampthill Park has a bit of everything - tremendous views from The Greensand Ridge, a fascinating heritage from Henry VIII to Capability Brown, and a diverse collection of flora and fauna. Working closely with Ampthill Town Council, The Greensand Trust helps manage Ampthill Park and other sites around Ampthill.

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    Established in 1999, The Greensand Trust is a registered charity, No. 1077055, and non-profit making company limited by guarantee. Registered in England No. 3702419

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night outdoors walk
Clophill Lakes Appeal

Clophill Lakes Appeal

Donations made to this appeal will be matched by The Peter Smith Charitable Trust so donate now! Please help us ensure we can protect and establish new nature reserve Clophill Lakes as a high quality haven for nature. Read more

Donate Fundraise

Published: 28th September, 2021

Updated: 29th March, 2023

Author: Carolyn Londer-Ward

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Charity number: 1077055 Company limited by guarantee. Registered in England: 3702419

Registered address: The Greensand Trust, The Working Woodlands Centre, Maulden Wood, Haynes West End, Bedfordshire, MK45 3UZ

© 2017 The Greensand Trust

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