Blows Downs

Overview

Grid ref: TL 04289 22068

W3W: ///ends.corner.closes

Coordinates: 51.887538, -0.483788 (directions)

Also known as: Blow’s Downs, Chiltern nature.

Blows Downs is chalk downland situated South East of Dunstable. It is managed by the Wildlife Trust BCN, currently 46.22 hectares, of which 33.12 hectares is an SSSI and 31.12 a County Wildlife Site. The site was initially purchased by the Trust in the 1980’s. In mitigation for losing some of the reserve next to the route of the constructed bus way, approximately 15 hectares is being transferred to the control of the Trust. This includes some of the area currently used as horse paddocks at the western end of the site, the meadow area between the bus way and the Kingsbury slope and some more of the slope, at the eastern end of the site.

The site is mainly visited by birdwatchers during the spring in search of passage migrants. Experience has shown that migrating species appear at different times and visitors might do well to bear this in mind. Many of the same species are recorded in autumn, generally in smaller numbers although Whinchat are far easier to see in September than April or May.

From Skimpot Road, if visiting in the morning, work the site from east to west, as this gives you the advantage of having the sun behind you. Having gained access to the site, double back on yourself, following the wooden fence to your left, to a point immediately above the roundabout. Here an old drover’s lane takes you to the brow of the hill up a well-trodden gully. Walking along the brow of the hill is the most productive way to search the hillsides; the temptation to walk through the thorn scrub will scare everything into cover and earn a (well-meaning) reprimand from any locals whose path you cross. Afternoon visits are less affected by sun direction and can start effectively from either end of the site.

The various areas of the site tend to be favoured by certain species. Starting from the east, on the Tesco slope, Ring Ouzel may be seen, with Wheatear occasionally found along the top path. The small bushes at the western end of the compartment are worth checking for Redstart. The area of open hillside between the Tesco slope and the chalk pit is not very productive although the occasional Wheatear is noted.

The chalk pit is the prime area to watch for Ring Ouzel and we encourage people to stand by the bench above the pit, where the bushes will disguise the observer.

Access

There are two recommended access points to Blows Downs: one near the Hatters Way and Skimpot Road roundabout on the eastern side, and another at the eastern end of Half Moon Lane on the western side. Visitors are advised to avoid weekends if possible, as parking and access may become more congested.

Parking

Hatters Way and Skimpot Road Roundabout (TL045224)

Park on the verge near the roundabout at the junction of Hatters Way and Skimpot Road. This location is easily reached from Junction 11 of the M1 by taking the A505 towards Dunstable and turning left into Skimpot Road after approximately 5/8 of a mile. Alternatively, parking is available in the nearby supermarket car park.

Eastern End of Half Moon Lane (TL030215)

Parking is available at the eastern end of Half Moon Lane. Please park at right angles to the kerb, as space is limited. To reach this location, leave the centre of Dunstable heading south, and turn left into Half Moon Lane after about 6/10 of a mile.