CHILTERN HILLS GATEWAY VISITOR CENTRE

Set on the chalk downlands of Dunstable Downs with outstanding views over the Vale of Aylesbury and Chiltern Ridge. This new resource centre is imaginatively set into the landscape. The Chilterns Gateway project aims to conserve the SSSI chalk downland of Dunstable and Whipsnade Downs through the relocation of visitor facilities and improved management of the site. The downs are home to a wide variety of wildlife; many rare wild flowers, including the Bee Orchid and different butterfly species such as the Marbled White and the Chalkhill Blue.

Careful consideration was given to maintaining the important Downland views, with the access routes and associated parking to the centre partially screened. Planting has been locally sourced for the creation of native species hedges.  The visitor centre is viewed against a backdrop of indigenous species trees, planted as a screen copse.

The chalk downland wildflowers found on the site have been placed in temporary habitat reserves. These plants will be relocated back to the centre in the chalkland interpretation garden and the selected chalk flower and grass seed sown to re-establish the localised sward. Soil from paths is retained on site to form banks, screen routes and the parked cars. Further banks are used to create outdoor rooms for interpretation and educational work for the Visitor Centre.

Client: Bedfordshire County Council

Architect: Architype