Haynes is proud to be within Greensand Country.
The nature and landscape of Greensand Country has been shaped by its geology, soils and historic land use. The area is famous for its patchwork of different habitats, including woodland, heathland (heather and acidic grassland), wetland, acid grassland, farmland and rivers.
There are many stunning views to discover in Greensand Country. The ridge itself is a prominent feature in the landscape and provides a dramatic backdrop to the views from the lower lying countryside. The ridge is accessible from many of the surrounding villages and towns.
From its elevated slopes you can experience panoramic views across the countryside including Marston Vale and the Ouse Valley. Woodlands often frame views on lower ground, whilst landmark churches and other historic buildings provide focal points in
the landscape.
Top 10 Greensand Country Views:
View over the Heron Valley from Rushmere Country Park: The visitor centre and Tree Tops Café at Rushmere Country Park offer visitors stunning views over the Heron Valley. Visitors also enjoy ‘Heron Watch’ from the deck outside the visitor centre.
Views of Stockgrove Lake: The view of Stockgrove Lake, with ducks and swans often framed by the surrounding woodland, is a favourite of visitors. Take a break on one of the benches around the lake and soak up the scenery! The lake is part of Stockgrove Country Park, which adjoins Rushmere Country Park.
The View from the Greensand Ridge at Ampthill Great Park: Many of the favourite views suggested by visitors are those from Ampthill Great Park across Marston Vale. The views from Katherine’s Cross and Breakheart Hill are particular favourites.
Old St. Mary’s Church, Clophill: Old St Mary’s Church is on higher ground to the north of Clophill. The Grade II* listed Church was restored by the Clophill Heritage Trust in 2014. They now offer tours of the site along with a visit up the Church Tower, where you can experience spectacular views over the countryside.
Views from the RSPB Lodge Nature Reserve and Gardens: All the views from the RSPB Lodge Nature Reserve and Gardens at Sandy are fantastic. There are many viewpoints along each of the trails around the reserve, with binoculars available to hire from The Gatehouse for a donation.
Views from Haynes Village: There are many favourite views from Haynes, including from the higher ground looking out towards Warren Plantation and Chicksands Woods; and the views across the valley towards Haynes Park (the seat located at Plummers Lane is ideal to enjoy the view towards Haynes Park).
Views at Cooper’s Hill: Cooper’s Hill sits on the Greensand Ridge and is the largest remaining area and best surviving example of heathland in Bedfordshire. This is a much-loved visitor destination with a good network of paths to help you explore.
Looking towards Woburn Abbey: From the Greensand Ridge, Woburn Abbey looks magical, especially when you are lucky enough to spot deer drinking from the lake.
Views at Maulden Woods: This is a beautiful landscape to experience, with gorgeous views from the Greensand Ridge Walk across the Bedfordshire Countryside.
Views towards the Ridge: Views of the Ridge itself from the surrounding lower lying landscapes are particular favourites. The Ridge is an iconic feature of Greensand Country defining much of the area’s unique character.
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.
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.
Greensand Country contains all of Bedfordshire’s remaining heathland, more than half of its woodland and 29 historic parklands. Greensand Country’s parks and nature reserves are perfect for family visits – letting the kids play outside, walking the dog or settling down with a picnic.
From the top of the ridge, open heaths and meadows give you spectacular views across the surrounding countryside. The beautiful patchwork of heaths, parks, historic houses and woodland means that you can visit lots of different places in a single day, and find something to keep every member of the family happy. There are also plenty of places to stop for a pub lunch or a quick coffee.
Experience the varied character of towns and villages across Greensand Country. Places such as Woburn, Old Warden and Ampthill contain distinctive styles of architecture characteristic of the area’s historic estates. For example: Old Warden estate houses are built in an elaborate ‘English Garden’ style, with thatched roofs, dormer windows, painted render walls and timber porches; whilst the Duke of Bedford estate buildings in Woburn are generally built of brick in a Georgian style. Greensand Country’s idyllic villages contain various historical sites, as well as boutique shops, restaurants, cafes and pubs.
So much more information is here…….