Introduction:
Greensand Trust and Central Bedfordshire Council have formed a partnership to preserve a large area of parkland for people and wildlife.
Rushmere Estate, situated just north of Leighton Buzzard, comprises 210 acres of parkland and mixed woodland, with a wide variety of important habitats, including open grassland, heathland and lakes.
Rushmere Estate
Was formerly part of Stockgrove Park Estate but has been in private ownership for many years. The combination of Rushmere Estate with the adjacent Stockgrove Country Park (80 acres) and Oak Wood (100 acres), already owned by the Council and Greensand Trust respectively will create a 400 acre public open space for future generations to enjoy.
Funding
Central Bedfordshire Council and the Greensand Trust have been able to purchase Rushmere Estate using money from both Central Government, including a grant of £573,000 from the Department of Communities and Local Government, and private third sector funding and donations, including a generous donation of £120,000 from the Peter Smith Charitable Trust.
The partnership is now looking for funding to help improve the site to make it accessible for everyone and ensure good conservation management to enhance and protect the vulnerable wildlife habitats.
If you would like to make a donation to help the Greensand Trust secure, protect and link vital areas of countryside, improve access, and preserve landscape, heritage and wildlife features visit www.greensandtrust.org/donation/index.php
Current work
For now the site cannot be opened up to the public. The footpaths running through the site will remain open but various works need to take place to make the site safe and available for public access. This will be done in stages across the park. Regular updates on progress and events will be provided through the local media and on this website. Both partners will be undertaking ‘master planning’ of the site in the future to help make best use of the site. Fencing will be required in some areas to protect vulnerable habitats. If you have any questions please email or call 01525 378101.
The future!
A wide range of zones will be created where visitors can enjoy the natural peace and beauty of the historic landscape, various habitats and the wildlife it supports and a variety of leisure, recreational activities and events to appeal to all ages.
Mrs Brough, the former owner of the Estate, said, "I am so pleased that everyone is now going to be able to enjoy the beauty of this wonderful Estate. I hope visitors will come throughout the year, to follow the amazing and subtle changes that happen through the seasons."
Councillor Steve Male, Central Bedfordshire's Portfolio Holder for Culture and Skills said, "We are delighted to be involved in a project like this that will ensure a beautiful place is preserved for public benefit offering a wide range of activities for people's fun and enjoyment. We are committed to helping create areas like this for residents and visitors to Central Bedfordshire and I am pleased that we have realised this great opportunity with the Greensand Trust."
Gill Welham, Chief Executive of the Greensand Trust "As an independent Charitable Trust committed to the protection and enhancement of the Greensand Ridge and its surroundings, we see this as a wonderful opportunity to both alleviate the pressure on local sites and provide a greatly enhanced and sustainable area of open space for both people and wildlife. We look forward to working with Central Bedfordshire Council in helping to make Rushmere Estate a fantastic place for everyone to enjoy."
Further information
Please contact either
Malcolm Oliver, Development Officer, Greensand Trust
Tel:01525 378101 email or visit www.greensandtrust.org
or
Stuart Harrison, Senior Projects and Planning Officer, Central Bedfordshire Council Tel:0300 300 6226
email or visit www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk |
