Blows Downs is situated South East of Dunstable. It is managed by the Wildlife Trust, currently 46.22 hectares of which 33.12 hectare being SSSI designate and 31.12 County Wildlife Site. The site was initially purchased by the Trust in the 1980‘s. Subsequent to that purchase, the Luton to Dunstable guided bus way has been constructed. In mitigation for losing some of the reserve next to the route of the bus way, approximately 15 hectares was transferred to the control of the Wildlife Trust including some of the area currently used as horse paddocks at the western end of the site. The area between the bus way and the Kingsbury slope, known locally as the hayfield, and some more slope at the eastern end of the site were also part of the mitigation. The site is mainly visited by birdwatchers during the spring passage in search of migrants, experience has shown that passing 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. There are two recommended access points: Park on the verge at the roundabout on the junction of Hatters Way and Skimpot Road (TL045224). This roundabout can be reached from J 11 of the M1, take the A505 towards Dunstable, after 5/8 of a mile turn left into Skimpot Road. Alternatively, park at the eastern end of Half Moon Lane (TL030215). Please park at right angles to the kerb as space is restricted. Leave the centre of Dunstable heading south and after 6/10 of a mile turn left into Half Moon Lane. Chalk downland Key Birds Spring passage (March/April) Ring Ouzel, Northern Wheatear, Common Redstart, Whinchat, Black Redstart and the possibility of, Pied Flycatcher and Firecrest. The site also has a record of producing surprises as well as having fly-through species. Those wishing to see all the main species on a single visit should come in the third or fourth week of April. Late summer (August/September) Whinchat and Stonechat around the paddocks. It is best to avoid the busy times, weekends and the Easter school holidays. Dog walkers use the site at all times of day, but please bear in mind they are there 52 weeks of the year and you are not. If visiting in the morning, park at the Skimpot Road roundabout (or in the nearby supermarket car park) and 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 and Northern Wheatear like the, rabbit grazed grass between the top path and the hawthorn scrub. The small bushes alongside the top path and at the western end of the compartment are worth checking for Common 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 make use of the two groups of bushes to disguise their silhouette. It has been proved repeatedly that standing on the lip of the pit in full view is an effective way of moving birds into cover

At the western end of the site are an area of grazing paddocks which the Wildlife Trust are trying to manage with cattle grazing. This appears to have had a negative affect on the number of Northern Wheatear and Whinchat which use the area although Common Redstart are now regularly seen using the bushes. The most productive for Northern Wheatear now seems to be the flat, plateau at the crown of the Paddocks slope and the arable fields which make up the two non-sloping sides