• Dunstable Downs is situated to the West of Dunstable town centre and is best accessed using the B4541.Park in the lay-by near the junction with the B489.

Walk across the mown grass area to the footpath that runs along the back of the gardens at the foot of the downs.Speckled Wood can often be seen here,in the more shady areas.Continuing along this path,there are some paddocks.Green Hairstreak can often be seen on the shrubs at the edge of the paddock during May and June.Small Blue can also be found around the area where kidney vetch grows,especially near to the gate.Continue on through the gate along the path, with the hill on the left-hand side.In the long grass either side of the footpath Marbled White and Chalkhill Blue can be found in large numbers in Summer.Walk down the steep slope towards Pascombe Pit,a very warm and sheltered spot,which is an excellent wild flower meadow.Follow the footpath round to the right along the side of the cultivated field.On the left is a small sheltered area of short turf,where Grizzled Skipper and Green Hairstreak can be found in May and June.If you carry on along the path there are several areas of rabbit-grazed grass which are excellent for butterflies.The bramble bushes are often covered in feeding gatekeepers when in flower.Opposite the gliding club there is a footpath which leads to the top of the downs,where Brimstone,Comma and Small Tortoiseshell can often be seen feeding on thistles,knapweed and brambles.