Dunstable and Toddington Area Sites
- Barton Gravel Pit
- Blue Waters Plantation
- Cottage Bottom Fields
- Dunstable Downs
- Houghton Hall Park
- Plaiters Way
- Sewell Cutting
- Smithcombe Hills
- Someries Castle
- Studham Common
- Sundon Hills Country Park
- Toddington Borehole
- Totternhoe Knolls
- Whipsnade Green
- Whipsnade Heath
The Dunstable and Toddington area covers:
- Barton
- Caddington
- Chalgrave
- Chalton
- Dunstable
- Eaton Bray
- Houghton Regis
- Hyde
- Kensworth
- Sharpenhoe
- Slip End
- Streatley
- Studham
- Sundon
- Tebworth
- Toddington
- Totternhoe
- Whipsnade.
There are fourteen sites in this area of Central Bedfordshire. Totternhoe Knolls is one of the sites in this area and is part of the Chiltern Hills which supports a wide variety of chalk downland plants and wildlife. The site offers superb views of Dunstable Downs and Ivinghoe Beacon. Read on for more information...
Dunstable and Toddington Area Map
Visit the Let's Go Website for more information
Barton Gravel Pit
Coming soon...
Contact Paul Burgess
Blue Waters Plantation
Formerly a landfill site, this woodland was planted in 1981 and is growing with interest as it matures. There is a surfaced path to and through the woodland. Perfect for a short stroll, look out for butterflies on hot sunny days.
Car park - None
Walking - Links to Rights of Way Network
Dogs - Welcome but must be kept under control
Cycling - Sorry not permitted
Horse riding - Sorry not permitted
Access Information - Surfaced path but uneven in places
Picnic - No Facilities
Toilets - None
Cafe - None
Friends / volunteers - Voluntary Wardens
Contact Paul Burgess
Cottage Bottom Fields
This 15 ha (36.9 acre) local nature reserve lies on the chalk escarpment. Along with neighbouring Blow’s Downs, it is a haven for wildlife with chalk downland species and migratory birds. Management aims to restore the chalk grassland to its former glory and scrub is cleared each winter to allow wildflowers and grasses to thrive. There are several paths crossing the site, many of which are steep.
Car park - Street parking on Jardine Way
Walking - System of paths on and off site
Dogs - Welcome but must be kept under control
Cycling - Sorry not permitted
Horse riding - Sorry not permitted
Access Information - Steep slopes, no surfaced paths
Picnic - No facilities
Toilets - None
Cafe - None
Friends / volunteers - Several tasks in winter to control scrub
Contacts: Trevor Smith, Lyndsey Bignell and Paul Burgess
Dunstable Downs
Coming soon...
Contact: The National Trust
Houghton Hall Park
The majority of this Park is owned by Central Bedfordshire Council (previously South Beds District Council), with a smaller section owned by Houghton Regis Town Council. Recent improvement works have been funded by a Lottery grant of £250,000 and contributions towards general works from developers (under section 106 of the 1980 Highways Act). The park is managed by the Greensand Trust, who also co-ordinate the Friends of Houghton Hall Park. There was a 10-year management plan for the Park which is about to expire, which concentrates on improving the environment and increasing bio-diversity as well as encouraging more local people to use this fantastic resource. It will still be some years before the full benefits of the recent planting really begin to show.
The Park is definitely an important green space in Houghton Regis. Recent enhancements include a new circular healthy walks initiative, which has been signposted with the involvement of young people from local schools, who created the designs for the posts.
Contact Paul Burgess
Plaiters Way
Coming soon...
Contact Paul Burgess
Sewell Cutting
Coming soon...
Contact Paul Burgess
Smithcombe Hills
Owned by Central Bedfordshire Council and managed by the National Trust, Smithcombe is adjacent to Sharpenhoe Clappers, a prominent Bedfordshire landmark. The site is mainly chalk grassland, a rare and valuable habitat, with areas of scrub. The site is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
Car park - In Sharpenhoe Clappers car park
Walking - Links into rights of way network
Dogs - Welcome but must be kept under control
Cycling - Sorry not permitted
Horse riding - Sorry not permitted
Access Information - Paths steep, none surfaced, not suitable for wheelchairs
Picnic - Facilities at Sharpenhoe Clappers
Toilets - None
Cafe - None
Friends / volunteers - Regular tasks
Contact: The National Trust
Someries Castle
Someries castle lies just south of Luton, very close to Luton Airport. All that remains are ruins, but these give a good idea of the former building. Built in the 15th century it demonstrates early use of brick and is protected by scheduled ancient monument status. There are good links to the local rights of way network.
Car park - Yes, via a rough track
Walking - Links to Rights of Way network
Dogs - No
Cycling - Sorry, not permitted
Horse riding - Sorry, not permitted
Access Information - Site flat but no surfaced paths
Picnic - No facilities
Toilets - None
Cafe - None
Friends / volunteers - None
Contact Trevor Smith
Studham Common
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Coming soon...
Contact Paul Burgess
Sundon Hills Country Park
A 50 ha (123 acre) site of special scientific interest comprising chalk grassland and beech woodland , both very important habitats. Also important for geological features known as coombes which formed under glacial conditions. This site has good links with the Rights of way network, including the Icknield way and John Bunyan Trail, so is a good place to start a walk venturing further afield. There are paths around the site which can be steep and muddy.
Car park - Yes
Walking - Around site and links to other walks
Dogs - Welcome, but must be kept under control
Cycling - Not permitted
Horse riding - Not permitted
Access Information - Most paths steep and can be muddy, not suitable for wheelchairs
Picnic - Picnic Area
Toilets - None
Cafe - None
Friends / volunteers - Regular volunteer tasks
Contact: The National Trust
Toddington Borehole
Coming soon...
Contact Trevor Smith
Totternhoe Knolls
Owned and managed in partnership with the Wildlife Trust and the National Trust, this important area of chalk grassland and beech woodland includes a 12th century Motte and Bailey castle called Eglemont, or Eagle’s Hill. There are also views over the village of Totternhoe. Look out for Tawny Owls and Sparrowhawks as well as wildflowers and butterflies. Paths can be steep and muddy.
Car park - Yes
Walking - Links to rights of way and circular routes
Dogs - Welcome, but must be kept under control
Cycling - Only on bridleway
Horse riding - Only on bridleway
Access Information - Paths steep and slippery
Picnic - Tables and benches
Toilets - None
Cafe - None
Friends / volunteers - Various tasks in winter
Contact: The National Trust
Whipsnade Green
Coming soon...
Contact Paul Burgess
Whipsnade Heath
Formerly heathland, this 23.7ha (58.5 acre) site is now an important woodland and grassland habitat, supporting a huge diversity of wildlife. The site is open access with a circular walk around the site and several paths leading to other sites and the rights of way network. A good place to escape the hustle and bustle of the bigger sites in the area.
Car park - At junction of B4540 and B4541
Walking - Circular route around site and links beyond
Dogs - Welcome but must be kept under control
Cycling - Sorry, not permitted
Horse riding - Sorry, not permitted
Access Information - Most paths steep, none surfaced
Picnic - None
Toilets - None
Cafe - None
Friends / volunteers - None
Contact Paul Burgess