Dunstable Downs

Dunstable Downs are part of the Chiltern Hills, in southern Bedfordshire. They are a chalk escarpment forming the north-eastern reaches of the Chilterns. At 243m/797ft, Dunstable Downs are the highest point of Bedfordshire.

Related Topics:
Chiltern Hills - Bedfordshire

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Whipsnade Zoo has cut an enormous lion shape into the chalk into the side of one of the hills. The lion can be seen from the Aylesbury to Dunstable road.

Related Topics:
Whipsnade Zoo - Lion shape into the chalk - Aylesbury - Dunstable

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The downs are used by gliders, kite fliers, hang gliders and paragliders in the area because of their height. The London Gliding Club is based at the foot of the downs.

Related Topics:
Glider - Kite - Hang gliders - Paragliders - London Gliding Club

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Much of the downs are managed by the National Trust, and the Downs are also home to a wide variety of wildlife including many rare wild flowers, such as the Bee Orchid, and different butterfly species, like the Marbled White and the Chalkhill Blue.

Related Topics:
National Trust - Bee Orchid - Marbled White - Chalkhill Blue

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