Discover Greensand Country – Part 1
Date Added: 14/06/2021
Greensand Country is a very diverse and special area. This area that you live in, is an oasis of peace and tranquillity that stretches from Leighton Buzzard to Gamlingay. The rolling countryside, breath-taking views and geology really make the area unique.
As there are so many stunning aspects to Greensand Country, we felt that it would be good to explore three elements with you, to show you what makes Greensand Country so distinct.
Geology
This is an important place to start as the geology defines the nature and the landscape of Greensand Country. The area is famous for its patchwork of different habitats, including woodland, heathland (heather and acidic grassland), wetland, farmland and rivers.
Approximately 125 million years ago, the area we now know as Greensand Country was dominated by tropical shallow seas. Sediments of sandy minerals were deposited as silt, sand and gravel, which eventually became compressed into the Greensand rocks.
Because the Greensand is a more resistant rock, it was not eroded as quickly as the softer clays surrounding it, leaving a ridge as a prominent feature in the landscape. Today, the ridge forms the ‘backbone’ of Greensand Country – it is the area’s most prominent landmark, home to diverse habitats, abundant wildlife and enjoyed year-round by walkers, cyclists and horse-riders.
You can actually study the different types of rocks across the area and find out which ones you actually live on! To find out more go to www.bedfordshiregeologygroup.org.uk or www.greensandcountry.com.
Heritage
There are numerous historical sites and heritage centres in the area. The Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre contains a collection of railway artefacts, whilst the Woburn Heritage Centre is a museum of local history. There are many parish churches, predominantly built of the local sandstone and notable buildings such as Ailesbury Mausoleum, situated in the churchyard of St Mary’s Church, Maulden and believed to be the earliest mausoleum in England and St Mary’s Old Church in Clophill originating from Saxon times.
Nearly all of Bedfordshire’s Grade I listed manor houses are located within Greensand Country, including Woburn Abbey, Haynes Park, Moggerhanger Park, Southill Park, Wrest Park, Warden Abbey and the ruins of Houghton House. Grade II listed manor houses include Ampthill Park, Shuttleworth Mansion House, Segenhoe Manor, Flitwick Manor, Heath Manor, Crawley House, Hazells Hall and Aspley House. Many of these estates boast extensive historic parklands, which are characteristic of Greensand Country and offer space for visitors to roam amidst stunning scenery. So there is plenty to explore.
Nature and Wildlife
Greensand Country is alive with diverse and wonderful wildlife. Key species include the Adder and Common Lizard on the dry heaths at Stockgrove and Rushmere; Otter and Kingfisher on the Flit river; and Purple Emperor, White Letter Hairstreak and White Admiral butterflies in the woods at Chicksands and Kings Wood. On the heathland and acid grasslands look out for Slow Worms and Common Lizards, Sand Wasps, Digger Wasps and Green Tiger Beetles.
Sandy, in the east of Greensand Country, is home to the RSPB The Lodge nature reserve and gardens, where you’ll find an abundance of birds, amongst them star species such as Great Spotted Woodpecker, Hobby and Nuthatch. The wet meadows of the Riddy nature reserve in Sandy are one of the few remaining places in Bedfordshire where you can find Water Voles. Meanwhile, you can spot Buzzards and Red Kites soaring in the skies right across Greensand Country, searching for food.
Many of these species have been encouraged back into the area over the years thanks to the Greensand Country Landscape partnership. This was formed back in January 2017, as a National Lottery Heritage Funded Programme, which was established to deliver up to 90 projects that would help raise awareness of the heritage value of the landscape and reverse the gradual decline of its distinct character. 24 partners have worked together to make the projects a success. They include Central Bedfordshire Council, The Greensand Trust, Sustrans, The British Horse Society and the Bedfordshire Geology Group to name but a few.
To find out more about this amazing area please go to www.greensandcountry.com.