Marston Thrift Trail

1. Starting from car park follow the waymarked route into the Thrift. Follow the narrow path running parallel to a drainage ditch for 250 metres to its junction with a wide ride running North to South within the Thrift.

The Blackthorn thickets and growth of Elms which appear along its length are important food plants for butterflies. They will be periodically cut and allowed to grow so that they are kept at a stage of growth of most benefit to these insects.

2. Turn right and follow the wide ride. Follow the wide ride up to and past the waymarked cross roads. This long, straight track runs more or less North-South through the wood.

The track has recently been cleared and widened. Sections of the track edge will be cut each year to create a low shrubby edge to the woodland. This graded edge will form a sheltered habitat for many animals and insects.

3. Cross-roads. Follow the ride straight ahead to the corner of the woodland then turn left at the waymark.

Beyond the crossroad's is an area planted with conifers in the early 1960's.

4. Waymark post indicating left. Point 4 offers excellent views over the Vale and even the Cardington Hangers. After pausing here for the views proceed uphill along the ride.

On either side of the path as you walk up the hill conifers were planted. These include Lawson's Cypress and Western Red Cedar.

5. Before reaching the top of the Thrift turn left at the waymark and follow the woodland path.

6. Turn right at the waymark and follow the path to the top of the hill.

7. Turn left at the top of the hill and follow the way marked woodland path. Follow this path for a distance of 400m.

8. Turn right at the waymarked junction and leave the Thrift over a small sleeper bridge. Follow the signed public bridleway to Cranfield. This path is waymarked and follows a field edge and strip of woodland.

Proceed for 1200m to Cranfield. To the east is Marston, to the north is Cranfield, and to the south-west, along the Greensand Ridge walk, is Hulcote Wood.

The area to the centre of this view is Brogborough landfall site. This site was once used for clay excavation and is now being filled with waste.

9. Turn left when you reach a wide Green lane, and follow the waymarked bridleway for 170 metres.

10. Take the left fork indicated public footpath. The sunken area to your right is locally known as Holywell. Proceed through a kissing gate and follow the signed footpath down hill along the field headland to the concrete road.

HOLYWELL, CRANFIELD In 1840 the wide track running from the southern end of the present Holywell Road (formerly Bowling Green Lane) to the Holywell spring itself was designated as a driftway for driving and penning sheep between 1st April and 14th July. Sheep dipping continued here until the beginning of the present century. In the early 19th century the spring was recorded as a medicinal spring used for the treatment of sore eyes.

Today Holywell is described as a ferruginous spring - hence the orange colour of the deposits and water, due to the iron content. The name Holywell goes back to at least the 13th century. It is quite likely that the site was venerated for many centuries previously, possibly even in prehistoric or Roman times.

A local conservation volunteer group, the Holywellers was formed in October 1991 with the help and backing of Cranfield Parish Council and the Forest of Marston Vale. They meet regularly throughout the year and are responsible for managing and improving the area for wildlife and local people.

11. Turn left at the concrete road and proceed along its length, then straight ahead keeping the water course to your right.

12. Proceed through the gap adjacent to the gate. The area in front is the Thrift Way, follow the meandering water course back to Marston Thrift.

THRIFT WAY is 7 acres of land leased from a local farmer for the Community Forest. In 1993/1994 work was carried out to enhance the landscape and wildlife interests in this important area. Much work was carried out on the watercourse which runs parallel to Thrift Way. Pools, weirs, and gently shelving edges were created and wetland wildflowers planted on the banks.

13. Enter the wood and follow the woodland path straight ahead. This path is within the woodland with a water course to your right and eventually leads back to the car Park.