The concept – Ampthill and Flitwick Green Wheel consultation
Consultation closes: Thursday 3 September 2026
Consultation opened: Thursday 25 June 2026
The Ampthill and Flitwick Green Wheel is a long-term vision for a circular network of accessible green routes around Ampthill and Flitwick. Paths and green corridor ‘spokes’ would connect both towns to this outer ‘rim’ and to the surrounding countryside.
The wheel is considered ‘green’ due to both the natural and historic environment components forming it; and the promotion of recreational and commuter trips using healthy, non-motorised forms of sustainable ‘transport’.
The wheel will encircle the towns, creating a continuous accessible corridor. It should be freely available to walkers and cyclists, while also providing appropriate links to the wider bridleway network for horse riders. In the short term, some sections may only cater for walkers, but the long-term aim is to create a complete circuit available to cyclists, including the provision of links to Greensand Ridge Cycleway.
Green spaces and associated features forming the green wheel may both be trip destinations in their own right; or may be corridors to other attractions further afield.
The green wheel should also protect, manage, enhance, and promote other green infrastructure elements, including biodiversity, landscape and heritage. Where possible, new habitats, landscape features and accessible green spaces should be created. Existing features which could contribute to the green wheel include, Ampthill Park and Flitwick Manor Park and a range of other green spaces; while the emerging ‘Flitwick Nature Park’ occupies a central location and will form an integral part of the green wheel.
The creation of new green and publicly accessible spaces and landscapes will enhance the green wheel. The landscape quality and management of new green spaces should be challenged where appropriate to ensure that it provides the best environment and opportunities for nature, users and residents.
It is also intended that this will inspire local landowners and managers to improve the visual appearance and ecological quality of land and historic environment features in their management, seeking to widen the provision of a high quality and attractive landscape to live and invest in.
Local cycling walking improvement plans (LCWIPs), green wheel masterplans and the Rights of Way Improvement Plan (RoWIP) are a part of the suite of integrated plans that help people travel sustainably.