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.

Rushmere is now open for visitors to enjoy. Several new permissive footpaths, cycle routes and horse routes have been established through the Park. There are family cycling routes around the site which are free to use. As well as mountain biking routes; permit is required which can be purchased from the Stockgrove or Rushmere visitor centres.

We have also installed some play equipment in different locations around the site for our younger (or young at heart) visitors to discover on their walks.

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.

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. The Consultation report on the interim framework has been produced to see a copy please click here.

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