Greenwoods New Town in photos

Explore the landscape around the site of the proposed Greenwoods New Town development.

One of CPRE Bedfordshire’s key concerns about the proposed development is the harm it would cause to the character and appearance of the landscape. The proposal would significantly harm the undeveloped and open character of the countryside, Greenbelt and the Chilterns ANOB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). The landscape and buildings at Wrest Park are of historic interest and the development will impact on views from the AONB, including Barton Hills, Sharpenhoe Clappers and the Pegsdon Hills. The area is also home to a wide range of wildlife.

You can find out more about the proposals, CPRE Bedfordshire’s concerns and how to object in our feature: The return of Greenwoods New Town.

Sharpenhoe Clappers is a classic chalk escarpment and part of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). It is crowned with traces of an Iron Age hill-fort and an impressive beech wood. The area is managed by the National Trust.

The Wildlife Trust for Beds, Cambs & Northants describe Pegsdon Hills as “One of the jewels of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Pegsdon Hills’ steep chalk hills offer some of the best views in the county.”

Barton Hills is a National Nature Reserve on chalk grassland which is home to rare downland plants and butterflies. It is within the Chilterns AONB.

Buckle Grove is a County Wildlife Site of ancient semi-natural woodland.

Greenbelt land accounts for about a quarter of the site. You can read more about the Greenbelt in Central Bedfordshire, including the purposes of Greenbelt designations in our feature Do Central Bedfordshire Council care about the Greenbelt?

We are grateful to the team at No to Greenwoods New Town for providing the site images used in this article.

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