Skip over main navigation
  • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
  • Training
The Greensand Trust
  • Greensand Trust Logo
  • Rushmere Country Park logo
  • The Working Woodlands Centre logo
  • The Working Woodlands Centre logo
  • Facebook
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • TripAdvisor
  • Discover
  • Discover
  • Discover
  • Buy your pass
  • Donate
  • Twitter
Menu
  • Discover the Greensand Ridge
    • Greensand Ridge map
    • About the Greensand Ridge
    • Greensand Country
      • Landscape Partnership
    • Conservation focus areas
    • Our sites
      • Nature reserves
      • Visitor centres
      • Local sites
    • Our projects
    • Things to do
    • Stories on the Greensand
    • Greensand Pass
  • About us
    • Our work
      • What we do
      • Education & Learning
      • Protecting what's there
      • Realising new opportunites
      • Planning for the future
    • Our story
    • How we're funded
    • Our team and governance
      • Status and governance
      • Board Of Trustees
      • Our Team
    • Working in partnership
    • Join our team
  • Get involved
    • Donate
    • Our appeals
    • Fundraise
      • Fundraisers
      • Fundraising ideas
      • Local schools
    • Volunteer
    • Volunteer hub
    • Legacies
    • Commemorative opportunities
    • Sponsorship opportunities
    • Corporate Friends
  • What's on
    • Events
    • Training
    • News
    • Access issues - weather alerts
  • Bookings
    • School and Educational Group Visits
    • Indoor spaces
    • Outdoor spaces hire
    • Filming
    • Weddings
    • Commercial Activity Request
  • Services for
    • Businesses
    • Schools and groups
    • Landowners
    • Local communities & Groups
    • Town and parish councils
    • Local authorities
    • Organised Event or Activity Request
    • Our services
    • Volunteer hub
  • Admin
    • Log in
    • Training
  • Basket: (0 items)
  • How we're funded
  1. About us
  2. How we're funded

How we're funded

The financial impact of the recession on our local environment is still in evidence, with many landowners, particularly local authorities, having to redirect funding away from site management towards critical frontline services. 

The Greensand Trust works closely with partners, to where possible mitigate the impact of these cuts.  Key to this approach has been the support of local communities and volunteers.  We have also sought to develop sustainable visitor facilities to generate new revenues, safeguard their surroundings and offer the potential to support the wider environment of The Greensand Ridge for all its communities to enjoy.

Our Finances

Our funds are raised through donations and grants; providing services to landowners and raising funds through parking, catering, event and pass incomes. 

The Greensand Trust receives no core funding, so we rely on our supporters and raise every penny for the benefit of the local environment.

Rushmere Country Park is an example, having been made available to the public in 2010 through the efforts of The Greensand Trust working in Partnership with Central Bedfordshire Council.  The Park, which is managed by the Trust, was established with the primary aim of "the creation of a self-sustaining and widely recognised greenspace site that serves as a gateway to The Greensand Ridge, Leighton Linslade Green Wheel and the Ouzel Valley, which will preserve and enhance the natural environment and benefit the surrounding area as a hub site within the wider network of green infrastructure". 

Rushmere relies on the support of its visitors and is making progress towards its objectives of being a self-funded facility.

Could you give us your support?

Please select a donation amount (required)
Set up a regular payment Donate

    Published: 20th February, 2017

    Updated: 18th February, 2020

    Author:

    Share this page
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Twitter

    Latest

    • Animal Tracks Trail

      Animal Tracks Trail

      This February Half Term take part in our Animal Tracks trail – explore the access for all Fairy Trail and find the animals by the tracks they leave in the ground.

    • Clophill Lakes Update - February 2023

      Clophill Lakes Update - February 2023

      We’re delighted to announce our Clophill Lakes Appeal has received a huge boost in funding, thanks to The Peter Smith Charitable Trust, bringing our new nature reserve for the local community ever closer.

    • Tree Planting Day

      Tree Planting Day

      As part of our works to transform Clophill Lakes into a nature reserve for the local community we're holding a public tree planting day - your chance to make a contriubution to the site!

    • Clophill Lakes Update - November 22

      Clophill Lakes Update - November 22

      We planted 900 trees, visited the local school to talk about the wildlife on site and a local yoga instructor is raising funds to support our charity appeal.

    Related

    • Working in partnership

      Working in Partnership is key to our work as we know it achieves the best results. We work in partnership with a variety of national and regional conservation and community organisations to provide a comprehensive and joined up approach to our environment.

    • Status and governance

      Status and governance

      Established in 1999, The Greensand Trust is a registered charity, No. 1077055, and non-profit making company limited by guarantee. Registered in England No. 3702419

    • Strategic objectives

      Strategic objectives

      Established in 1999, the Greensand Trust is a registered charity, No. 1077055, and non-profit making company limited by guarantee. Registered in England No. 3702419

    • Our story

      Our story

      The Greensand Trust is an independent environmental charity that works with local communities and landowners to conserve and enhance the distinctive landscape, wildlife and history of the Greensand Ridge and wider area, improving access, understanding and enjoyment for the benefit of everyone.

    Most read

    • General map of site

      General map of site

      Find your way around Rushmere Country Park's 400 acres of stunning woodland, heathland and meadows for all ages to enjoy.

    • Find Rushmere Country Park

      Find Rushmere Country Park

      Main entrance located in Linslade Road, Heath and Reach, Beds LU7 0EB

    • About Rushmere Country Park

      About Rushmere Country Park

      A great place to discover nature and enjoy the outdoors with over 400 acres of woodland, heathland and meadows to enjoy - a fabulous site for walking, cycling, horse riding and wildlife with restaurant, takeaway, visitor centre and events.

    • Cycling

      Cycling

      Cyclists are welcome at Rushmere Country Park and Woburn Woods. Free access via public rights of way plus specialist cross country and downhill trails for use with the purchase of a Greensand Cycling Pass.

    • Tree Tops Restaurant

      Tree Tops Restaurant

      Our Tree Tops Restaurant and Deck open daily from 10am to 4pm for breakfast, lunches, drinks and cake with table service only.

    • Parking at Rushmere

      Parking at Rushmere

      Changes to parking - pay before you leave the car park by app or payment machines. Main entrance OPEN 9am - 5pm. The Stockgrove entrance opens by 9.30am.

    • Dog walking

      Dog walking

      Responsible dog owners are welcome at Rushmere Country Park within designated areas - both on and off the lead. For everyone's safety dog walkers must abide by our on/off lead rules and pick up after their dog.

    • Greensand Country map

      Greensand Country is full of great places to visit and things to do and see. Whether you want to go mountain biking or walk the dog you'll find it all here.

    • Ampthill Park

      Ampthill Park

      Ampthill Park has a bit of everything - tremendous views from The Greensand Ridge, a fascinating heritage from Henry VIII to Capability Brown, and a diverse collection of flora and fauna. Working closely with Ampthill Town Council, The Greensand Trust helps manage Ampthill Park and other sites around Ampthill.

    • Status and governance

      Status and governance

      Established in 1999, The Greensand Trust is a registered charity, No. 1077055, and non-profit making company limited by guarantee. Registered in England No. 3702419

    Tag cloud

    night outdoors walk
    Clophill Lakes Appeal

    Clophill Lakes Appeal

    Donations made to this appeal will be matched by The Peter Smith Charitable Trust so donate now! Please help us ensure we can protect and establish new nature reserve Clophill Lakes as a high quality haven for nature. Read more

    Donate Fundraise

    Published: 28th September, 2021

    Updated: 11th January, 2023

    Author: Carolyn Londer-Ward

    Latest tweet

    • @Robbirder will do!

      31stJanuary, 2023 @GreensandTrust
    • This February Half Term bring the kids to #rushmerecountrypark and take part in our Animal Tracks Trail - find the… https://t.co/gHMZ9WNvRX

      31stJanuary, 2023 @GreensandTrust
    • @Robbirder Yes indeed!

      31stJanuary, 2023 @GreensandTrust

    Sign up for our newsletter

    Please enter your first name
    Please enter your last name
    Please enter your email address Please enter a valid email address (e.g. [email protected])

    For more information on how your data is stored and used please see our Privacy Policy.
    • Jobs
    • Contact us
    • Full sitemap
    • Terms & conditions
    • Admin login
    • My details
    • Log out
    • Facebook
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • TripAdvisor

    Charity number: 1077055 Company limited by guarantee. Registered in England: 3702419

    Registered address: The Greensand Trust, The Working Woodlands Centre, Maulden Wood, Haynes West End, Bedfordshire, MK45 3UZ

    © 2017 The Greensand Trust

    Manage Cookie Preferences