A worrying message from a concerned local resident on the social media platform Nextdoor prompted us to seek answers from Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC).
The message stated, "There seems to be runoff or pollution in a stream near the Blue Waters wood area. I walk my dog in this area and I've noticed an increase in strange orange runoff and often oil in the water. It's such a shame to see this place suffering from pollution and waste being dumped around. I believe this area used to be a landfill site before it was filled in and planted with trees as a natural site. Perhaps the runoff is coming from underground?"
Blue Waters Woodland is a site maintained by the Central Bedfordshire Council Countryside team. It was indeed used as a landfill site in the past. However, since then, it has been transformed into a re-wilded area with the growth of trees and the establishment of pathways.
There is a concrete path that was previously used by refuse vehicles, which leads from Bedford Road in Houghton Regis to the woodland.
On 12th April 2022, CBC stated, "Our consultant and site operators have investigated the culvert and its surroundings to determine the source of the discharge. They believe it is iron oxide (rust) and is originating from metals within the landfill. However, they have assessed it as non-hazardous and seems to be contained to that specific part of the culvert.
"This Friday, we have scheduled contractors to perform jetting on the pipework to clear any deposits."
About Blue Waters
Originally the site was dug to extract chalk for the cement industry. Afterwards, a lake formed in the base of the pit. The deep blue colour of the water, a result of suspended particles of clay and chalk, gave the site its name, 'Blue Waters' .
Some tree management works were carried out to open up the new glades within the woodland. There are more than 11 different tree species including Alder, Beech, Wild Cherry and Hazel. Visiting birds include Blackbird, Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Robin, Wren, Blue and Great Tits, as well as endangered varieties like Song Thrush, Starling and Bullfinch.
Visitors used to be able to see Fox, Muntjac, Hedgehog and Rabbit, although, with the nearby growth in house building, these may not be so prevalent now.
Tips for Dog Owners Visiting Blue Waters
- Never let your dog out of sight.
- Don't let your dog chase wildlife.
- Always clear up after your dog - There are dog bins provided. If you do see dog dirt, use a stick to flick it into the undergrowth, out of the path of human walkers, where it will quickly decompose.
