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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

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Latest tweet

  • RT @bedsrcc: As part of the Greensand Country Festival 2022, join @greensandsocial to walk the Sandy Green Wheel on Sunday 29th… https://t.co/B1GiVpYY4W

    20thMay, 2022 @GreensandTrust
  • RT @greensandsocial: We're so pleased Rushmere Country Park been nominated in the Best Family Attraction category in the Muddy Stilettos… https://t.co/CkvMjw5lIF

    20thMay, 2022 @GreensandTrust
  • RT @greensandsocial: Throughout May and into June half term The #GreensandCountryFestival supported by @MulberryHomesUK aims to shine a… https://t.co/uqnfLUGf20

    20thMay, 2022 @GreensandTrust

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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

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