What does the Ivel and Ouse Countryside Project do?
We work with local residents, landowners and organisations to enhance the natural wildlife habitat and heritage, improve the local landscape; and increase peoples understanding and enjoyment of the Ivel and Ouse valleys in North and East Bedfordshire. Visit the Project page.
Where can I see otters?
As otters are both shy and nocturnal, you are very unlikely to see them and there are no places where they can be guaranteed to be seen. Visit the Ivel and Ouse Wildlife and BORP pages for more info.
Where can I go for countryside walks?
We have created a number of walking trails to suit all abilities, including the 'Ivel Valley Circular Walk' series, the long distance 'Kingfisher Way' and 'Ouse Valley Way' and short family walks. We also manage a network of safe and attractive sites on the edge of the valley's towns and villages. Visit the Sites and Trails page.
How can I get help with the work of the Project?
Our service depends on the support of local volunteers in a number of areas including practical conservation tasks, wildlife surveys and assisting with office work. Visit the How You Can Help Us page.
Where are the Ivel and Ouse valleys?
The Ivel valley is in east Bedfordshire. The A1 'Great North Road' and the Eastcoast Mainline Railway pass through the valley. The Ivel valley covers an area of 225km2 and has a population of 80,000 people. Visit the Project Area map page.
The Ouse Valley is in north Bedfordshire. The project area runs from the border with Northamptonshire in the East to Cambridgeshire in the West. It includes the town of Bedford, covers an area of 352km2 and has a population of 96,500.
Where does the River Ivel start and finish?
The source of the River Ivel is at Ivel Springs in North Hertfordshire, on the outskirts of Baldock. The River Ivel flows in a generally north direction for 20 miles/ 32km past Biggleswade and Sandy before joining the River Great Ouse at Tempsford, 6 miles / 10km east of Bedford.
Do you want to know if I see any interesting wildlife in the Ivel or Ouse valleys?
Yes Please! We are very keen to record sightings of rare or important species. We are particularly interested in hearing about sightings of: otter, water vole, badger, brown hare, mink, polecat, grass snake, crayfish, kingfisher, barn owl, bats.
Please e-mail: info@ivelvalley.co.uk records to us, stating date, time of day and location (6 figure grid reference if possible).
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