Out and About on the downs
The Chilterns Gateway Project is also working to bring benefits to the special landscape and wildlife of the Downs and Chilterns
Following the removal of the existing visitor facility in 2007, a landscape restoration programme is taking place to restore chalkland habitats and improve areas of chalk grassland that have suffered from over-use. Other stretches that are overgrown with scrub, will be cleared allowing the chalk grasses to flourish whilst improving wildlife habitats.
Work began on a new Multi-User Route (MUR) in 2007 to link Dunstable directly to the Gateway Centre. The route includes surfaced areas which allow people of all abilities to enjoy this wonderful site and its views whether on foot, horse, cycle, wheelchair or pushchair.
Environmental Assessments were carried out to ensure that the routes are well located and have minimum impact on both wildlife and landscape. By providing easy to use, well located and signed routes we hope to reduce the erosion of the vulnerable chalk grassland.
Funding for the Trail has come from Sport England through their "Active England Scheme" with the Big Lottery Fund; as well as Bedfordshire County Council and the Chilterns Conservation Board.
Grazing in Focus: The sheep returnThe National Trust works hard to maintain the nationally important grassland of the Dunstable Downs – and at this time of the year the task is made a little easier thanks to a flock of Beulah sheep which spend the spring, summer and autumn months grazing the Downs. | |
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“Sheep grazing has long been recognised as the most effective way to ensure a healthy future for the grassland,” said Jeremy Sutton, National Trust Property Manager. “It ensures bramble and nettle is kept to a minimum, which in turn encourages flower-rich grassland, harbouring delightful wild flowers such as the ‘fragrant’ and ‘bee orchids’, ‘wild thyme’ and ‘eyebright’”. This May and June, you can see the lambs and ewes grazing in the field at the top of the Downs towards Whipsnade, one of four fenced enclosures. This land and the rest of the Downs are designated as “Open Access” under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CROW). All dog walkers should note that the Act requires dogs to be kept on a lead of no more than 2 metres long when they are near livestock, whatever the time of year. “Most of our dog walkers are extremely considerate around the sheep,” added Jeremy. “However, I would like to remind all dog walkers to take care within the fenced enclosures. Even the best trained dog may occasionally become unresponsive to its owner and all dogs, regardless of size, breed or temperament could be a danger to livestock on the Downs”. More information on CROW can be obtained FREE from the shop at the Countryside Centre on the Downs. | |
