Dunstable Downs, Chilterns Gateway Centre and Whipsnade Estate
Wildlife
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Chalk grassland
Chalk grassland
Chalk downland is a rare habitat both in Bedfordshire and nationally.
In Bedfordshire, large areas of the chalk have been converted to arable cultivation and only a few isolated sites remain.
These are largely confined to steeper slopes where arable cultivation and agricultural improvement has not...
© Kate Sheard
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Scrub
Scrub
Scrub is an important part of the landscape, providing habitat, shelter and food for a number of birds, mammals and insects.
This habitat is carefully managed by our countryside staff and volunteers to improve its quality and maintain a balance with the chalk grassland.
© Bruce Smith
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Woodland
Woodland
The woodland at Dunstable Downs is known as Chute Wood.
Over recent years we have been managing the wood by removing a lot of the Corsican pine which have been stacked at our yard. They will later be chipped to feed the biofuel burner at the Chilterns Gateway Centre.
Chute wood is now home to a na...
© Jon Powell
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Plants
Plants
The shallow soil depth and lack of nutrients on Dunstable and Whipsnade Downs make ideal conditions for a wide range of rare and exciting plants only found in these habitats.
The thousands of orchids gracing our sunken trackways from late spring to early summer is a special sight.
© Kate Sheard
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Insects
Insects
Dunstable Downs is home to all kinds of insects, from tiny beetles and woodlice in the leaf litter to beautiful butterflies and day flying moths.
Look out for two of our famous butterflies - the duke of burgundy in May and the chalkhill blue in July.
© Kate Sheard
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Birds
Birds
The range of habitats at Dunstable Downs means our property is home to an array of birds.
Keep your eyes peeled for the majestic red kite hovering overhead and your ears open in spring and summer for the song of the skylark.
© Tony Margiocchi
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Mammals
Mammals
Dunstable Downs' varied habitats suit mammals too.
As well as having the more regular sighted rabbits and muntjac deer, our property is home to badgers, foxes and many more.
© Keith Zealand
Walks and trails
Explore the wildlife and habitats at Dunstable Downs by following one of our trails. Take a gentle stroll along our multi-user path or download one of our longer walks.
Did you know?
- The Downs are open all year so you can come in every season.
- 73.3ha of Dunstable and Whipsnade Downs is designated SSSI.
- SSSI stands for a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
- Look for a variety of butterflies thoughout the summer months.
- See our events page for our up and coming activities and guided walks.
What can you see?
Our Countryside team updates the sightings board at the Chilterns Gateway Centre regularly. There is a sightings book inside the centre where you can record your own sightings or you can email them to us.