New accessible trail and sensory garden launched at Dunstable Downs

Date: 30th June 2026

The National Trust and the Chilterns National Landscape have officially launched a new accessible trail and sensory garden at Dunstable Downs, marking a major milestone in their shared ambition to make the countryside more inclusive for all.

The new 1.5km ‘Access for All’ route is suitable for wheelchairs and mobility vehicles and goes to Chute Wood, providing access to the woodland setting and den building area, ideal for families. Visitors can enjoy the brand-new sculpture trail along the way featuring carved animals which kids will love spotting.

These new facilities at Dunstable Downs are part of the National Trust’s long-term vision and commitment to making the site more accessible and inclusive. This is a vision that the Chilterns National Landscape shares and are proud to have part-funded the project through a Defra Access Grant, part of a wider government initiative to make all protected landscapes ‘places for everyone’. The launch was attended by over 20 countryside organisations and community groups who are all working to improve accessibility across their sites.

Annette Weiss, Head of Engagement & Partnerships for the Chilterns National Landscape, said:
“We are delighted to have supported the National Trust’s new Woodland Walk Access route and sensory garden at Dunstable Downs. It is such an important new addition to their accessibility provision, enabling everyone to enjoy this special place.”

Sculpture of butterfly on Dunstable Downs woodland walk nature signs

Dunstable Downs woodland walk nature BSL signs

Joshua Kyle, Visitor Operations & Experiences Manager for the National Trust said: “We’re absolutely delighted to see this project completed. The new accessible path and sensory garden will help more people connect with nature and enjoy the outstanding landscape of Dunstable Downs, whatever their access needs. We’re incredibly proud to be making the countryside more inclusive and accessible, and we’re grateful to Chilterns National Landscape for their support in helping bring this vision to life.”

To help visitors plan their visit, two new videos and Access guides have been produced, one for the Woodland Walk, and one for the Viewpoint Walk.

Mik Scarlet, Co-Chief Executive Officer for Phab, who created the accessibility guides and videos said: “Everyone at Phab and our Access Consulting and Training Services project, Phab ACTS, are so proud of being part of this amazing project and of helping to inform the public of what to expect when visiting Dunstable Downs if they have mobility issues or other forms of impairment. To be playing a part in leaving such an important legacy for the future has been a real honour, as it means many more disabled and older people can visit places like Dunstable Downs with confidence.”

For more information about Dunstable Downs, please visit the National Trust website or speak to a member of team on-site.

Explore our new access guides