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Leighton-Linslade is very fortunate with its green open spaces.
It lies between the Greensand Ridge and the Chiltern Hills creating
an area of accessible countryside, woodland, heath and grasslands
with superb views. The River Ouzel, Clipstone Brook and the Grand
Union Canal also run through the middle of the town, their flood
meadows bringing the countryside right onto the doorstep.
The Ouzel Valley Meadows
are easily accessible from the riverside walk and
canal. There are 34 acres of flood meadows to be enjoyed. Their
floodplain character protects them from development, they have valuable
flora and fauna, and they bring the countryside into the heart of
the town. Spot the ancient willows and rare black poplars.
Tiddenfoot Waterside Park
is a former sandpit but is now an attractive wildlife
site, home to many birds, including tufted ducks, mute swans, coots
and other species, such as butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies.
The large site, 29 acres in total, includes a lake and grassland,
making it an ideal site for a family picnic. Good footpaths and
access for wheelchairs mean that Tiddenfoot Waterside Park is a
great place for a weekend walk. The Grand Union Canal is easily
accessible for walking or cycling.
Stockgrove Country Park is
a part of the larger Rushmere Estate, comprising of 80 acres dating
back to medieval times. It has a visitor centre and a variety of
habitats including a lake, ancient woodland conifer plantations,
meadows and heath. The  Greensand
Ridge Walk which stretches across Bedfordshire runs through the
site.
The Rushmere Estate is an area of over 400 acres
that dates back to medieval times. It is an important site which
is home to many different wildlife habitats. The Greensand Trust
and Central Bedfordshire Council have worked together to identify
areas which need to remain undisturbed, while working on developing
the rare heathland and expanding walking, cycling and horse riding
in the area. The varied landscape on the estate is home to ancient
woodland as well as conifer plantations
Linslade Wood This
ancient woodland is a mixture of beech and oak and is noted for
its profusion of bluebells in spring. The 1990s plantings were made
by the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers and are of mixed
native and naturalised species with attractive open rides.
Stanbridge Meadows
is a 10 hectare site to the south of the town which was purchased
by The Greensand Trust in 2011 with the help of the local community
and support from Leighton Linslade Town Council to help establish
public access. This rare wildflower meadow provides a local wildlife
site which people from the town can walk or cycle to. Conservation
grazing is used to manage and sustain this important natural habitat.
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