Blow's Down facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
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Northwest-facing view from the viewpoint at Blow's Downs SSSI.
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| Area of Search | Bedfordshire |
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| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 33.1 hectares |
| Notification | 1989 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Blow's Down is a special natural area in Dunstable, Bedfordshire. It's a place where you can explore different kinds of habitats. This area is protected because it's home to rare plants and animals. It's a great spot for nature lovers and anyone who wants to learn about local wildlife.
Contents
Discover Blow's Down
What is Blow's Down?
Blow's Down is a large natural space. It covers about 33 hectares. That's like 46 football fields! It's officially known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's a very important place for nature in the UK. The government protects these sites to keep their special plants, animals, and geology safe. Blow's Down was given this special status in 1989.
This amazing area is also part of a bigger nature reserve. The Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire helps look after it. They work hard to protect the wildlife. They also make sure people can enjoy the area responsibly.
Why is Blow's Down Special?
Blow's Down has many different types of natural areas. A big part of it is "unimproved grassland." This is a rare type of grassland. It means the land hasn't been changed much by farming or building. This makes it a perfect home for many plants and insects.
To keep the grassland healthy, cattle sometimes graze there. This helps to manage the plants. It also keeps the habitat just right for the wildlife.
Hidden History and Rare Species
You can find some interesting features at Blow's Down. There's an old, unused quarry. You can also see medieval cultivation terraces. These are old farming steps built into the hillside. They show how people used the land long ago.
Blow's Down is also home to some very rare species. A special plant called Bunium bulbocastanum grows here. It's also known as Great Pignut. There's also a rare beetle called Odontaeus armiger. These rare species make Blow's Down a truly unique place for nature.
Exploring Blow's Down
Blow's Down is open for visitors to enjoy. You can access the area from Jardine Way and Half Moon Lane. It's a wonderful place for walks. You can also enjoy spotting wildlife and learning about nature. Remember to stay on paths and respect the natural environment.
