Coming soon Clophill Lakes - a new nature reserve for benefit of wildlife and local communities with public access expected in 2023.

The Vision for Clophill Lakes

The Greensand Trust is committed to establishing Clophill Lakes as a new nature reserve in the heart of the Flit Valley between Clophill and Chicksands.

Our vision is to conserve and enhance its natural beauty, wildlife and heritage whilst providing sensitive sustainable access and promoting understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the Greensand Country area to its local communities and the wider public.

Our key objectives:

• To establish and maintain Clophill Lakes in a manner which celebrates the natural environment and unique landscape of the Flit Valley, enabling it to fit the needs of a wider changing environment, population growth, climate change and habitat loss elsewhere
• To protect and enhance its special qualities, tranquil landscape, beautiful views, historic and cultural heritage, wildlife rich lakes, river corridor and associated floodplain habitat
• To provide a safe and attractive outdoor space for local people, incorporating improved access round the lakes
• To raise awareness of the interest and importance of the site and provide opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to explore and engage with the site in a sensitive manner
• To facilitate the use of the reserve as an educational and research resource and to promote appropriate interpretation
• To develop sustainable revenues, partnership working, community involvement and fundraising to implement the objectives and actions of the management plan

How long will the development take and when can I access it?

Following the Development Phase, The Greensand Trust expects to be able to open the site for
managed public access in 2023, once the majority of the establishment works are safely completed
to the Local Authority’s satisfaction. Until then the site must remain closed, in order to ensure public
safety and to protect the site’s wildlife and heritage. So we ask for your continued patience, as it is
essential that we are able to complete works to make the site safe and support access and minimise
the disturbance to sensitive habitats.

How can people support the development of the park?

The Greensand Trust has launched a Clophill Lakes Nature Reserve Appeal so grant providers,
local businesses and the public can support us in creating what will be a cherished site for the area.
You can also register your interest in being involved in this project in the future. When the time is
right, further along the line in the development of the site, there will be opportunities for volunteers
to assist us.

Clophill Lakes is being secured due to a successful hybrid planning application
(CB/16/05127) via the support of L&Q Estates & Hayfield.

Download our Community Leaflet delivered to homes in Clophill here