Bedfordshire stands up for the countryside!

On Sunday 13th February groups from across Bedfordshire braved the weather to take part in peaceful protest walks, raising awareness of threats to green spaces and open countryside.

CPRE Bedfordshire and local action groups joined together to organise and promote a number of walks throughout the county. Each walk had a different focus, but all were united by the desire to raise awareness and take action. From valued urban green spaces to Greenbelt designated countryside, the walks threw the spotlight on places under threat.

North Bedfordshire – BFARe

BFARe are working with concerned parties to do research, provide information and gain support for their campaign for a Better East West Rail Route for Bedford. They organised a number of walks with different start points, meeting in the middle at Clapham Wood, all highlighting the route that East West Rail will take through the North Bedfordshire Countryside.

North Bedfordshire – Parish Council Walks

The parish councils of Ravensden, Wilden, Great Barford, Roxton and Renhold organised local walks.

Flitwick

The Flitwick Local Action Group (Save Steppingley Field) and Church Road Action Group are campaigning to save two Greenbelt sites under threat. Their walk took them around the field, through Flitwick Woods to Burghley Close and then right onto Manor Way and down to the Church Road site.

Shillington WI and Say No to Greenwoods

This walk was raising awareness of the proposed Greenwoods development of 4,000 houses between Barton-le-Clay and Gravenhurst. They started at Wrest Park, walking from there to the greenfield site.

Houghton Regis – Friends of Windsor Drive Community Open Space

The Friends of Windsor Drive wanted to give people a way to show their support for saving a local open green space. They wanted to send a clear message to Central Bedfordshire Council who plan to progress to site investigation stage with their proposals to build up to 100 homes on the site. The walk used the wheelchair friendly public footpath.