Introduction:
Rushmere Estate covers an area of 210 hectares and is situated at the western tip of the Greensand Ridge ,an elevated feature that runs across Central Bedfordshire and recognised as an area of high landscape value. As a former private estate access is restricted to way-marked paths until further notice. This is due to the sensitive nature of the habitat and fragile environment as well as many health and safety issues to be resolved before public access can be allowed.

Identifying sensitive wildlife habitats:
Central Bedfordshire Council and the Greensand Trust are working in partnership to conserve Rushmere Estate’s important wildlife habitats and to prepare parts of it for public access. The partnership is currently identifying areas to improve access as well as areas which need to remain undisturbed to conserve and provide a haven for breeding birds and wildlife, and we ask for your patience and support during this critical work.

New footpath link through Rushmere Estate:
The Central Bedfordshire Council and Greensand Trust partnership will be opening a new footpath at Easter within Rushmere which will be a superb way of seeing the wonderful habitats and wildlife of the Estate. Please help protect and conserve the site by keeping to the way-marked paths and ensuring that dogs remain on their leads at all times.

The future:
The partnership is currently working on plans which will merge Rushmere Estate, Stockgrove Country Park and Oakwood and sensitively develop facilities to serve the combined site, enhance access and enable the sustainable management of the wider site for the benefit of both people and wildlife.

Help us:
The partnership is now looking for funding to help with this work and make sure the site is sustainable in the future.

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

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