The Greensand Country Landscape Partnership is a group of businesses, organisations, landowners and communities, working together to deliver an exciting array of 90 projects that will help raise awareness of the distinctive, special and loved Greensand Country landscape and reverse the decline in its distinct character and special qualities, which will bring positive change.
The Greensand Country area is very special. It is an oasis of peace and tranquillity that stretches from Leighton Buzzard to Gamlingay. The rolling countryside, idyllic views and unique geology really make the area stand out.
As well as delivering 90 projects, the Greensand Country Landscape Partnership is also trying to build a local business community.
The Greensand Country covers a distance of 42 miles and encompasses numerous businesses across three counties, from B&Bs to farm shops, local pubs and eateries to craft breweries. Engaging with local businesses is key for the partnership and that is why the free business charter has been developed.
Any business joining the charter will be seen as a proud supporter of the area and they will be encouraged to use the Greensand Country brand to help promote their business. On sign up, businesses receive access to the Greensand Country Sense of Place Toolkit. The toolkit contains photographs and marketing materials, all of which are free to use to promote their business. A business profile and web link will be added to the Greensand Country website and, as a charter member, businesses will be invited to all of Greensand Country’s events and they are also welcome to promote their events for free via the Greensand Country website.
By signing up, local businesses are agreeing with the six principles of the Greensand Country Charter. The six principles are to:
- Raise awareness of the Greensand Country as a great place for visitors
- Help to care for our environment
- Support the local economy
- Promote our cultural heritage and traditions
- Contribute to the health and wellbeing of the community
- Share knowledge and understanding of the landscape
This year, the Greensand Country Festival is going ahead in May. This has been made possible thanks to another local business relationship, with Mulberry Homes UK. Mulberry Homes is an organisation that shares the Greensand Country values in protecting the environment whilst addressing the evolving needs of local communities and businesses, making it an ideal partnership.
Kerry Jones, Sales Director at Mulberry Homes, said: “We’re thrilled to be supporting Greensand Country Festival as this year’s Key Festival Sponsor. At Mulberry Homes we’re committed to supporting and forging lasting partnerships with the Bedfordshire communities in which we operate, including those within the Greensand Country area.
“We’re very proud to be a part of this wonderful festival. The Greensand Country is a stunning landscape, and we’re looking forward to seeing local communities safely come together to enjoy this natural beauty.”
This vision of the community and businesses coming together to support and look after the environment is exactly what the Greensand Country is working to achieve.
Claire Poulton, Programme Manager for the Greensand Country Landscape Partnership, said: “Everyone has heard of the Jurassic Coast. Businesses in that area are proud to promote themselves as being part of that really special landscape. This is our vision for the Greensand Country. Our business partners are critically important in helping us to promote this area.
“If you are a business owner in the Greensand Country, we have lots of resources that you can use within your own marketing, free of charge, to help you draw upon the special qualities of the area to promote your services and engage with customers. In doing so, your business or organisation can become more competitive, more attractive and better connected with local networks. We also promote the businesses on our interactive map, which is used to help visitors decide which areas to explore.
“It is a great corporate social responsibility (CSR) opportunity and a chance to encourage staff to engage with the landscape for their personal wellbeing too.”
Businesses located in the Greensand Country, can sign up here.
