THIS was the sight that greeted volunteer litter-pickers in a big clear-up at Houghton Regis Chalk Pit.
More than 50 people lent a helping hand to start tidying up the former quarry area.
Litter-pickers found years of accumulated rubbish, burnt-out cars, propane gas bottles and shopping trollies.
The Wildlife Trust for this area has taken over the management of the site.
Now the team aims to transform the chalk pit into a nature reserve for wildlife and a green space for people in the area to enjoy.
The chalk pit has rare habitats such as chalk grassland, which is a habitat in national decline, and a limestone lake - the rarest form of standing water in Britain.
And it is an important home for wildflowers and wildlife such as rare butterflies.
The trust says that quarrying activities ceased at the site in the 1970s, and the land is now owned by DSM International.
And the trust team was able to take over the management of the area thanks to financial contributions from Bovis Homes.
The developer is building 131 homes on the eastern boundary of the site.
Rebecca Pitman, the trust’s reserves officer for the chalk pit, said: “It’s wonderful that so many people came out and gave up their Saturday to help clear up the chalk pit.
“Local people clearly feel this is a special place that badly needs protecting.
“There is still much work to be done, however, and more volunteers are needed to help return this amazing place to its former glory.
“With so many people eager for the quarry to become a nature reserve, Houghton Regis Chalk Pit can only go from strength to strength.”
> Volunteers can call Rebecca on 01525 874317/0759 5090776 or email rebecca.pitman@wildlifebcn.org.