Nature conservation

Nature Conservation in Luton is managed through the Parks Service. The service is managed by Trevor Tween and the council partners with the Wildlife Trust to deliver works. A great deal of conservation work is done by volunteers from the community, who are managed by the Wildlife Trust or the Parks Service.

The Nature Conservation Service surveys and monitors important habitats and species throughout the borough.
There are 19 county wildlife sites in Luton. The main sites are:

• Galley and Warden Hills
• Bradger’s Hill
• Cowslip Meadow
• Fallowfield
• Bluebell Wood
• Hay Wood
• Dallow Downs
• Leagrave Common, including Waulud’s Bank.

Galley and Warden Hills is Luton’s principal site and is owned by Luton Borough Council, even though it lies outside the borough. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and on 3 March 1993 became Luton’s first nature reserve. It is a nationally important site because of its wide range of chalk grassland communities of wild flowers and butterflies.

Nature Conservation staff help interpret these sites for the public through displays, leaflets, events and activities for the local community. They also arrange and provide specialist expertise for non-residential field trips for schools, colleges and children of all ages.