There are twelve sites within the Luton & Dunstable area. To view a map of any of the sites, visit the online map and input the postcode in the search option. On the more detailed description of the site you will find this information.

Country Parks

• Dunstable Downs
• Sundon Hills and Smithcombe Hills

County Wildlife Sites

• Studham Common
• Whipsnade Heath
• Sewell Cutting

Nature Reserves

• Cottage Bottom Fields
• Totternhoe Knolls

Parks

• Houghton Hall Park
• Blue Waters and Plaiter's Way

Scheduled Ancient Monuments

• Someries Castle

Dunstable Downs

The Chilterns Gateway Centre is situated on the top of Dunstable Downs at Bedfordshire's highest point, 798 feet above sea-level. The visitor centre offers spectacular views over Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire and Hertfordshire. Dunstable Downs is owned and managed in partnership with the National Trust.

The visitor centre and cafe are open daily from 10am - 5pm, with the exception of Christmas Day.  Further information can be found on the National Trust website.

Sundon Hills

A 50 hectare (123 acre) Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) 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.

Nearest Postcode - LU3 3

The park is approximately 17.5 hectares and consists mainly of open grassland with widely spaced mature trees and woodlands.

The park was once a private estate to Houghton Hall house, a Grade II listed building that adjoins it, and still retains many features associated with the former parkland. Houghton Hall was built in 1700 and was home to the Brandreth family until 1908, when the house was sold to Lt. Col. Sir Dealtry Part. In the 1960s the property was sold off and much of the surrounding land became fragmented. The habitat is believed to have been widespread in lowland landscapes through the medieval period and up to the early nineteenth century. There are at least 95 parkland sites in Bedfordshire but unfortunately only remnants of most of them remain. Habitats falling under the parkland category are recognised as a national priority habitat, and have links to national, regional and local Bio diversity Action Plans (BAP). They are often of national historic, cultural and landscape importance and are commonly managed for the benefit of landscape and the visiting public.

The councils Countryside Access Team continually look at how they can improve the site for the benefit of the local community while retaining the qualities associated with a parkland landscape. Hay meadows and flower-rich pastures provide a breeding and feeding habitat for many species of bird, including finches, buntings and birds of prey, small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews and beetles, spiders and butterflies amongst other invertebrates. They are also a beloved aspect of the traditional English landscape and are highly valued for their aesthetic appeal.

During 2004 the District Council carried out habitat improvements at the site when they created five acres of wild flower meadow. By using a long-season flower mix, which flowers between March and September, the intention is to provide an attractive and interesting contrast to the amenity grassland found across the rest of the site.

Over 95 per cent of our native flowering meadows have disappeared since the war due to intensification in agricultural practice and changes to the way that grassland areas are managed and maintained. The flower meadow we have created at Houghton Hall means visitors can see species of wild flowers that they might not come across very often. Flowers like Ladys Bedstraw, Field Scabious, and White Campion are now common species at the park, so those with an interest in wild flowers will be able to sharpen up their identification skills identifying over 15 different flower species occurring across the meadow.

Keep a look out for a blaze of colour over the next few years.

Nearest Postcode - LU6 2NW
Car park – Park Road North - Height restriction barrier 
Walking - Open access and public paths
Dogs - welcome but must be kept under control
Cycling - sorry, not permitted
Access Information - Entrances are accessible to manual wheelchairs / buggies, but there are few surfaced paths. Paths flat but prone to flooding and mud.
Seats – along circular route (not specific Picnic)
Toilets – None, Bedford square – Houghton Regis
Cafe – None, Bedford square – Houghton Regis

The Common is home to over 200 types of wildflowers and grasses, and has meadows, woods and hedges.  These provide food and shelter for a wide variety of insects, birds and small mammals.  Some of these species are very special, including for example Skylarks, Yellowhammers and Dormice.  Its importance to wildlife is recognised by designation as a County Wildlife Site.  There are also paths to explore and plenty of space to picnic.  The Site is managed in partnership with the Greensand Trust and the Friends of Studham Common (FoSC), an active volunteer group which organises and oversees the management of the site.  FoSC have been awarded a prestigious Green Pennant award which recognises the high standard of the site. Studham Common Management Plan. (PDF 7.4MB)

Nearest Postcode - LU6 2NW
Car park -  East Common, Height restriction barrier (6’2”)!!!!
Walking -  Open access and public paths
Dogs - welcome but must be kept under control
Cycling - sorry, not permitted
Horse riding – permitted on bridleway
Access Information -  Entrances are accessible to manual wheelchairs / buggies, but there are no surfaced paths. Paths flat but prone to flooding and mud. 
Picnic -  Seats along route (not specific Picnic)
Toilets -  None
Cafe – None (Local pubs next to common)

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. More information about Common land can be found on our website.

Nearest Postcode - LU6 1
Car park – yes off of Castle Hill Road
Walking – good starting point for local walks
Dogs – Welcome but must be on a lead
Cycling – Sorry, not permitted on site
Horse riding – Sorry, not permitted on site
Access Information – Steep path prone to be muddy
Picnic – next to car park
Toilets –none
Cafe - none
Friends / volunteers – Occasional Wildlife Trust and National Trust volunteer tasks

Blue Waters and Plaiter's Way

Recent works have created surfaced paths around and between these 2 small sites.  A natural play area has been created for children to enjoy.  A great to spot butterflies on a sunny day.  Perfect for a short stroll or a picnic.

Nearest Postcode - LU5 6  LU5 6RJ
Car park -  None
Walking -  Open access and public footpaths
Dogs - Welcome but must be kept under control
Cycling -  Sorry not permitted
Horse riding - Sorry not permitted
Access Information - Entrances are accessible to manual wheelchairs / buggies, surfaced paths. Circular paths/routes.
Picnic -  Seating on site, but not specific picnic benches
Toilets -  None
Cafe - None
Friends / volunteers – None, but aspirational 

Whipsnade Heath

Formerly heathland, this 23.7 hectare (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.

Nearest Postcode - LU6 2LG
Car park – tarmacked area off of roundabout in Whipsnade
Walking – paths and open access
Dogs – welcome but must be under control
Cycling – Sorry, not permitted on site
Horse riding – Sorry, not permitted on site 
Toilets –Nearest at Dunstable Downs, Chilterns Gateway Centre
Cafe - Nearest at Dunstable Downs, Chilterns Gateway Centre
Friends / volunteers –Occasional National Trust volunteer tasks

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.

Nearest Postcode - LU2 9PL

Cottage Bottom Fields

This 15 hectare (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.  This site is managed in partnership with the Wildlife Trust.

Nearest Postcode - LU1 4BB
Car park - None
Walking - Several paths cross the site
Dogs - Welcome but must be kept under control
Cycling - Sorry, not permitted
Horse riding - Sorry, not permitted
Access Information – No surfaced paths, many steep, can be muddy
Picnic - None
Toilets - None
Cafe - None
Friends / volunteers – Wildlife Trust Volunteer tasks in winter

Sewell Cutting, Houghton Regis

This beautiful cutting used to accommodate the Dunstable Branch line.  Now the trains are long gone and the cutting is on the route of National Cycle Route No 6.  The steep chalk slopes are home to an array of wildflowers, butterflies and lots of other wildlife.  A fantastic place to walk or cycle.  This wonderful site is a county wildlife site and managed by the Wildlife Trust

Nearest Postcode - LU6 1DU
Car park -  None (French’s Avenue?)
Walking -  Open access and public paths
Dogs - welcome but must be kept under control
Cycling -  sorry, not permitted
Horse riding – sorry, not permitted 
Access Information - Entrances are accessible to manual wheelchairs / buggies, surfaced paths. Circular paths/routes.
Picnic -  Seats along route
Toilets -  None
Cafe - None
Friends / volunteers – None, work parties managed