An Unassuming County: The Making of the Bedfordshire Countryside

An Unassuming County by Brian Kerr, published by Eventispress in 2014, traces the history of landscape evolution in one English county-Bedfordshire. The book takes the position that this county has never received much attention and is worth a closer look. The title of 'An Unassuming County' fits well with this part of England: many travel through the county but few take the time to explore. Using non-technical language, the book begins with a brief geological history and outlines how the geology has shaped the landscape. The impact made by underlying rock formations and later by periods of ice cover are traced with examples from across Bedfordshire and then explained with special attention given to how the land is used today. Changes over time in the agricultural landscape are described together with the impact that the extraction industries have made on the land. Bedfordshire has a special place in the geological history of England yielding fine brick making clays; a number of excellent building stones; and specialist sands used extensively in industrial processes. The extraction of these products has left a mark on the landscape and the book looks at how these old workings are being transformed. The green spaces of the county are described with a review of the nature reserves including geological sites in Bedfordshire, and the opportunities for walkers and ramblers in the county are fully set out. New initiatives such as the Community Forest of Marston Vale and Country Parks are given special attention and the author lists oyjt designated sites conserved as Sites of Special Scientific Interest. (SSSIs). Finally, the author looks at the mounting pressure of the landscape and likely changes in the countryside which may follow from changes in agricultural production and government policy. The pandemic has altered how we think about, and use, the countryside and this book provides a useful introduction to how this small county was shaped by its geological and more recent past. The text is illustrated with colour images and ample maps and diagrams. See more