Multifunctional Green Space Scoping Study

Kit Campbell Associates were engaged to carry out a scoping study to identify options for the delivery of at least 60 hectares of new strategic, multi-functional green space in the Luton and southern Bedfordshire area.  The report is now available as both a summary and the full report, and can be downloaded from here.

News item added 06/04/2010

Extended date for receipt of applications

Separate funding is still available for Community Grant Scheme projects and the deadline for applications to this fund has been extended to 31st March 2010. If you have a community project that requires funding please contact our Green Space Advisor on 01525 378101 or by email to chalkarc@greensandtrust.org.

News item added 19/01/2010

Match funding for professionals

The requirements for match funding for Professionals projects have been relaxed as the Chalk Arc Initiative appreciates that applicants may be having difficulties obtaining high levels of match funding in the current economic climate. The minimum level of match funding has been removed and all applications will be assessed on a case by case basis. If applicants are able to secure higher levels of match funding this will naturally be looked on favourable. Please contact the Chalk Arc Project Officer if you have any queries or require clarification prior to submitting an Expression of Interest.

News item added 21/08/2009

Deadlines for Expressions of Interest

In order to streamline the application process the guidelines for submitting Expressions of Interest have been revised. For Expressions of Interest to be considered at quarterly Steering Group meetings, the deadline for completed forms to be received by the Chalk Arc Project Officer is now two weeks before each meeting. Meeting dates can be found here.

News item added 21/08/2009

Woodland Purchase.

Funding from the Chalk Arc Initiative has helped Central Bedfordshire Council to secure the purchase of 27.5 hectares of community woodland, known as Linslade Wood, located to the north of Leighton Linslade. Linslade Wood surrounds Central Bedfordshire's Bluebell Wood, a 5.4 hectare semi-natural woodland renowned for its Spring carpet of bluebells. The purchase of the woodland will enable a planned and sustainable improvement of the wood, and will provide a significant green infrastructure asset for existing and future communities in the area.

News item added 12/05/2009

Stockwood Park heritage and Health Walks.

Funding has been awarded to a help fund a project located at Stockwood Park on the outskirts of Luton that will deliver access and biodiversity enhancements across the site. Led by Luton Borough Council, work on a series of Heritage and Health walks is already underway, including way-marking of existing routes and interpretation of heritage and biodiversity features along the routes. Other enhancements to the site include plans to restore and improve Cutenhoe Pond, re-establish an area of lowland heathland and also restoration of hedgerow adjacent to Kidney Wood.

News item added 12/05/2009

New Nature Reserve in Leighton Buzzard.

An exciting project developed by the Greensand Trust in association with Central Bedfordshire and members of the Ouzel Valley Park Steering Group, and located close to the centre of Leighton Buzzard has been awarded funding from the Chalk Arc Initiative. Adjacent to a major new development of 72 flats, the Avery's Garage and Kings Street Depot Complex will provide approximately 2 hectares of high quality public open space together with a 1 hectare nature reserve comprising small areas of woodland, wetland swamp and backwater off the River Ouzel. The Greensand Trust are working with the local community to establish a Friends Group who will carry out practical conservation tasks on the site.

News item added 12/05/2009

Improve your local green spaces!

We have £90,000 for community-led environmental projects until December 2010. If you have a project that needs between £750 and £20,000 explore the Green-benefit process on this site. Or contact chalkarc@greensandtrust.org for further information.

News item added 16/11/2008
Projects up to £20,000 come under Community Groups, click for more information

New Project Officer appointed.

Lisa King has joined the Chalk Arc greenspace delivery support Team as Project Officer. She is charged with managing the grant funding and is happy to discuss your project ideas.

News item added 30/11/2008