Luton: A short walk following the stream

Buses 8,21,24 and 53 stop in Ravenhill Way very close to the pool. The 38 stops in Leagrave High Street, which is a short walk from Pastures Way.

There is a large free car park by the pool and sports facilities.

[1] From the car park, take a path into the park that goes to the right of the children’s play area. There are many mature trees in this area, including chestnut, sycamore and oak. Continue along this path to the right of the basketball court. The stream is on your right, but you might not be able to see it for vegetation.

[2] Walk past the bridge that crosses the stream. As 2012 has been very dry, there may not be any water in the stream. Walk on, passing some magnificent willow trees on your right, keeping the football pitch on your left. There are some seats here if you would like to rest and enjoy your surroundings. As you walk on, you will come to a T-junction in the path.

[3] Turn right over a level bridge that goes over an area of the stream that is sometimes wide. In 2012 it has been dry and has many flowering plants attracting butterflies and other wildlife.

[4] On the far side of the bridge turn right. There is no surfaced path here, but the grass is quite smooth and is kept short. Keep to the line of the stream and look out for elderberry, nettle, bindweed and Himalayan balsam.

[5] Pass the bridge and walk on, following the stream until it disappears into a culvert.

[6] Join the path that runs parallel to Pastures Way and follow it to the right until you come to the swimming pool car park again.

A.  The trees here are mature and very old. The trees and the hedges would have been here in the days when this was a farm.

B.  The willow trees along the stream are also mature. Willow is very pliable and had many uses. It was used for fences, baskets and furniture. It was traditionally used for pain. Aspirin is made from willow.

C.  Elderberry is used in wine and jellies. It is good for colds and flu. Nettles can be cooked and eaten like spinach. They can be used for joint pain, eczema and urinary problems. Bindweed is only used as a laxative. Himalayan balsam grows more than 6 foot tall. It has attractive pink helmet shaped flowers  but it is an invasive introduced plant which chokes out native plants. Apparently the flowers and seeds can be eaten, but are not particularly tasty.

D.  The stream through Lewsey Farm joins other streams to form the River Lea.