Sewell Cutting - Dunstable

The Reserve, which can be accessed via Frenchs Avenue, has been improved for bicycle, wheel and pushchair access as well as walkers and horse riders. The cutting and embankment footpaths have recently been upgraded as part of the Sustrans Project work in South Bedfordshire, and have been extended as far as Standbridge through the introduction of a footbridge over the A505.

The cutting and embankment was originally developed as a railway branch line and opened to goods traffic in 1848 and to passengers in 1849. The line linked Dunstable with Leighton Buzzard with an intermediate station at Stanbridgeford. Goods transported included coal to Dunstable Gas Works and chalk from Totternhoe and Forders (Sewell) Lime Works. Strawberries and Carnations from Eaton Bray were also delivered to London markets.

The site was decommissioned as part of The Beeching Cuts in 1965, with the tracks removed a year later. Since the closure of the railway, the site has developed into an extremely valuable area for wildlife.

Because of its flora and chalk grassland habitat the main area of the site has quite rightly been designated as a County Wildlife Site. Notable plant species include Fragrant Orchid (pictured), Pyramid Orchid, Ploughmans Spikenard, Fairy Flax, Wild Basil and Basil Thyme. For the budding ecologist, an extremely rare plant to look out for at this time of year the Man Orchid. In a good year you will only find four to five plants on the whole site.

Butterflies are abundant throughout the summer. Look out for Brimstone, Marbled White, Comma and Large Skipper. The Small Blue butterfly (pictured) is another rarity associated with chalk grassland and is the smallest of the UKs resident species. Despite its size (about the size of a thumb nail), it is not too difficult to spot on the grassy slopes of the cutting. The site is home to a range of insects and evening walkers might be lucky enough to see the occasional Glow Worm. This declining and rather strange species likes old undisturbed grassland.

The Reserve connects into the wider footpath network around Totternhoe Knolls, enabling residents to enjoy a variety of circular country walks with great views. The Wildlife Trust with the support of the District Council has recently purchased areas of the Knolls including the old quarry. With the help of local volunteers, they are busy restoring the habitat and upgrading footpath routes that will improve the environment and provide enhanced countryside access to residents.