Forest of Marston Vale - Lidlington, Bedfordshire, UK - Scenic Overlooks on Waymarking.com

The steep footpath leads up from the village of Lidlington to reveal a surprising and stunning view. There are picnic benches and a descriptive, information board here to detail the points we can see.

To the far left is the Milton Keynes XSCAPE building, a modern landmark. Several woods sweep across the valley with Lake View Wood, Holcot Wood and Reynolds Wood. The Brogborough Landfill Site hugs the edge of Brogborough Lake whilst Rectory Wood lines the hillside. We can see Milton Keynes Wind Farm on the horizon and the village of Cranfield in the distance. Marston Thrift and the A421 contrast to each other's purposes and Lidlington village nestles below us. Upper Shelton, Lower Shelton and Marston Moretaine are interrupted with Wootton Wood, Wootton Church and Berry Wood. Then, we see the Millennium Country Park, the hub of the Forest of Marston Vale with its visitors' centre and Bedford's Green Gateway. Stewartby Landfill Site lies near the Stewartby Brick Works with the few, remaining and preserved chimneys, an industrial, heritage landmark. Lidlington Pit and Granary Wood are more contrasting sights. The sweep of the Millbrook Proving Ground, hidden from the eye of the curious viewer is glimpsed from up here, whilst the new development of Wixams makes its mark in the distance. Notably, the Cardington Sheds, another famous, local landmark stand out in the landscape and the Bedford River Valley Park lies tucked away. Shocott Spring is mentioned as an valued interest and Rookery Pit South reminds us of another landfill area. Finally Wilstead can be seen and Conquest Wood.

The Forest of Marston Vale is not a forest in the true sense but in the respect of its heritage, history and natural beginnings. There are 61 square miles in the forest which was designated as a Community Forest in the 1990s. It is an ongoing creation, restoring the landscape to how it used to be before the scarring of clay extraction, brick making and landfill.

Milton Keynes is a city formed with the forest in mind; its sweeps of beautifully landscaped verges alongside the grid-system of roads attempting to merge with the natural habitat.

The famous, industrial heritage of brick-making peaked after the Second World War when bricks were needed to rebuild London. Ridgmont Brickworks operated from 1935 to 1981 and had 25 chimneys during its optimum period of use, making it the second largest brickworks in the world. Now, the forest is reclaiming this spent land to regenerate our 'Domesday Heritage'. There are many ancient hedgerows, woodlands and spaces which are being slowly enhanced with new planting. The linking of green space between the large warehouses is hugely important for us and our wildlife.

I often reflect on how Grandad used to make his way to work at the brickworks on his old bicycle and see today the old brickfields used for recreational cycling on designated tracks. This view brings home to me how Bedfordshire has changed and how it continues to evolve.

Type of overlook: Walk by Picnic tables: yes Benches: no Water/restrooms: no Overlook designation: Designated Elevation: 400.00 View: The Forest of Marston Vale

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