'Essential' tree felling ‘has completely destroyed’ Rushmere Country Park, claim visitors

One has described the ‘level of destruction very harsh’, while others say it ‘looks awful' and that it has ‘completely destroyed Rushmere’.

And another added: “It was a lovely wood before, it’s upsetting to see what’s happening to it.”

But Rushmere County Park says woodland management is necessary to keep the environment, nature reserves, parks and other outdoor spaces in good condition – all while helping to address biodiversity loss and the climate crisis.

In a social media post, it said: “We are aware that this has elicited understandably strong feelings among some visitors – it can look rather harsh and, of course, we have a shared understanding that trees are positive and important for wildlife, landscape, and climate. However, good woodland management, which includes felling, is also vital for biodiversity.”

The post went on to explain many of the trees were plantation trees, planted historically, in order to be felled. The trees are not native to the area with many posing a risk in high winds. They also inhibit the more diverse native flora from growing.

“Reducing the cover of these non native trees allows light to reach the woodland floor, providing suitable conditions for native flora to grow, resulting in increased biodiversity and the creation of more habitats. This has a positive impact on bird, butterfly and bat diversity and abundance.”

But one unhappy visitor says the mass clearing has completely changed the aesthetic of the place and suggests the work should have been done in stages.

And another stated: “The reasons and contradictions (returning to heathland, ie no trees vs replanting with native trees vs some pines remain) feel very wishy washy especially after the bike track demolition story.

"This could have been better managed if we, as paying visitors, were asked or consulted about the future of the place in advance. Due to these recent changes, Rushmere lost its appeal as a recreational country park for me, which is a shame.

"Re biodiversity argument, I also feel that the loss of habitat for the existing species is completely ignored. I'm sure people will continue to visit but I won't renew my pass and will go to Wendover instead.”

However, bosses at Rushmere Park have tried to reassure people work is for the future biodiversity of the site, and all undertaken in line with a long term management plan overseen by ecologists.

The Greensand Trust defended the felling of trees in Rushmere Country Park’s Oak Wood area, following similar concerns in 2021.

A spokesperson said: “We are aware that people have strong feelings about the woodland management that is taking place. We have committed to providing information via social media and have been open to answering the very understandable questions and concerns that people have. We will continue to post information in response to the questions as they arise.

“As highlighted, some visitors feel that the work is too drastic and done too quickly. Woodland management can undoubtedly look harsh when first undertaken but it is vital for healthy and biodiverse habitats.

"The trees that are being thinned are non-native trees such as larch, spruce and douglas fir that were planted 30 – 50 years as a crop (by prior owners). It is worth noting that many of these trees are dead and pose significant risks in high winds. Removing some of these trees enables the ground flora to flourish and bring back native trees. Some of this will be natural regeneration, and some will be planted with native trees. Diverse native woodland is a much more resilient habitat.

"Rushmere Country Park is managed and owned in partnership with Central Bedfordshire Council and The Greensand Trust. The Greensand Trust is a small environmental charity, and all conservation work is undertaken in line with our mutually agreed management plan overseen by senior ecologists and a dedicated ranger team. The revenues from parking and the cafe fund this work as well as the day-to-day management of a large country park.

“There is temporary disruption to both the cross-country mountain bike trail, and some parts of our horse trails. The downhill zone has been closed and once the felling is completed and the area restored, we will be redeveloping the area for cycling provision suitable to a country park. More information on the downhill zone is available here.”