Greensand Country Landscape Partnership celebrates its past and looks to the future

The Greensand Country Landscape Partnership had a fantastic time recently with partners, mayors, council representatives, project leaders, and volunteers, to celebrate the achievements of our seven-year National Lottery Heritage Fund Programme of environmental and heritage projects. It was also an opportune time to look ahead as the Partnership embarks upon its next chapter: through networking, sharing ideas, and establishing new ways for organisations and individuals to collaborate.

Caroline Maudlin, Co-Chair of the GCLP Board, kicked off the evening with a welcome speech, thanking those who have made the Partnership a success, before handing over to a Heritage Fund representative, Chris Starkie. He spoke eloquently about how impactful the Programme’s achievements have been, and how he enjoyed speaking to and hearing the successes of the project managers, partners and volunteers who have been involved.

Daniel Bowles, our Programme Manager, spoke about how the GCLP has proven how well it can deliver change within the landscape, before passing over to project manager Andrew Smith to give his perspective on managing a woodland restoration project in Little Brickhill. Volunteer Colin Haine then spoke passionately about the many ways he has been involved, and his journey with GCLP. Daniel and Job Balaam (Vice Chair, GCLP and Director of Development, The Greensand Trust) then spoke about how the Partnership will continue to engage new people and continue to deliver long-lasting change within the Greensand Country area. The speeches finished with HM Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Susan Lousada, who said some pertinent final words about the significance of the Greensand Ridge and the communities and organisations that come together in partnership to support, celebrate and enrich this much-loved area of the country.

Our special thanks go to Sam, Lewis, and Joanna at Moggerhanger Park who ensured the space looked wonderful and helped make the whole evening run smoothly.

There are so many ways to get involved with The Greensand Country Landscape Partnership in the new year – as a partner, a charter member, a volunteer, or a member of a themed working group. Or even if you just think of a great environmental, community or heritage project idea for the Greensand Country area, get in touch and let’s see what we can do together.

For information on how to get involved, please contact daniel@greensandcountry.com