Save Our Greenfields protest walks
On Sunday 13th February join CPRE Bedfordshire and local action groups across Bedfordshire and follow a number of planned protest walks through the beautiful Bedfordshire Countryside to send a powerful message to the government.
Use an hour of your time and call on our local and national government to save our Bedfordshire greenfields: our wildlife, forests, biodiversity, farmland, carbon capture and public access to open countryside.
These protest walks will be in support of the national petition demanding an end to private house building targets, a ban on large scale housing development on greenfield sites and calling for all new homes to be built to the highest environmental standards.
North Bedfordshire – BFARe
BFARe are working with the concerned parties to do research, provide information and gain support for their campaign for a Better East West Rail Route for Bedford.
Meeting points and route
Four start points to meet in the middle near Clapham Wood and the Golf Course.
The list of start points for the walks are:-
1. Clapham: Ursula Taylor Primary School walk to Carriage Drive up to meet point. – 1.7 Km to meet point.
2. Bedford Park starting at Foster Hill Road Cemetery entrance on Foster Hill Road: Walk 2.5 km of John Bunyan Trail to meet point.
3. Woodlands Start Point at Anjulita Court: – please park on Bramley Way if driving. 1.7 Km to meet point.
4. Brickhill. Starting Point Brickhill Drive Shops and walk up Hawk Drive to meet point. 2.3Km to meet point.
See the BFARe Facebook page or website for more information.
North Bedfordshire – Parish Council Walks
The parish councils of Ravensden, Wilden, Great Barford, Roxton and Renhold are organising local walks.
Meeting points and routes
For Wilden, Great Barford, Roxton and Renhold meet at 12 noon at the respective village halls.
For Ravensden start at the Horse & Jockey at 12 noon. There are two walks happening – a short walk of approximately an hour and a long walk of approximately 1 1/2 – 2 hours
Flitwick
Flitwick Local Action Group (Save Steppingley Field) and Church Road Action Group are campaigning to save two Green Belt sites under threat.
Meeting point and route
Meet at 12 noon in the field fronting Steppingley Road. Take the track that is almost opposite Ryder Way and walk up to where the farm drive is. The walk will go 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
Raising awareness of the proposed Greenwoods development of 4,000 houses between Barton-le-Clay and Gravenhurst
Meeting point and route
Start at Wrest Park, Silsoe MK45 4HR at 11.30 am. Meet in front of the entrance to the house halfway down the drive. The walk to the greenfield site takes 30 minutes (there and back 1 ½ hours at most). It is good, level walking but it can be mucky at just the one corner so wellies might be advisable!
Houghton Regis – Friends of Windsor Drive Community Open Space
Showing support for saving an open green space. Help 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.
Meeting point and route
The Brook new build on Windsor Drive at 11:00 am. Walking one lap around the public footpath which is wheelchair friendly. Around 15-30 minutes. See the Friends of Windsor Drive Facebook group for more information.
Things to note
These are peaceful protest walks and you are welcome to make and bring your own banners or placards. Please stick to the footpaths and respect nature and other walkers. Wear suitable footwear and appropriate clothing.
NB: all participation is at your own risk
I can’t take part in a walk – is there anything else I can do to help?
Yes!
You can share posts about the walks on social media.
You can also sign and share the petition.