Rushmere Park Development. See the full article for the latest news on the development of the site and details of car parking charges.

A new village green was registered (PDF 258KB) in Heath and Reach in January this year by the parish council.

Bedfordshire and Luton Orchard Group launch a countrywide orchard survey. Please visit their website for details.

The Heath and Reach P3 group published a Vision document (PDF 3.4MB) and map for parishes rights of way and open spaces (PDF 1.5MB).

The Campton Plantation Sculpture Trail was launched in the Autumn of 2010.

The latest edition of magazine.

Central Bedfordshire Council and The Greensand Trust have formed a partnership to preserve a large area of parkland for people and wildlife.

The Greensand Trust and Central Bedfordshire Council purchased Rushmere Park in September 2009, creating a joint landholding of 400 acres when combined with the existing Stockgrove Country Park and Oak Wood. The overall vision is to create an attractive and accessible public open space, zoned in a manner that enables a wide range of leisure and countryside activities, whilst protecting and enhancing sensitive natural and historic environmental areas and features and making the most of this unique landscape.

Plans for the future. An interim framework document has been produced that sets out the vision for the future development of the site. This strategic document is now out to consultation. The document can be viewed at the Greensand Trust website.

The Heritage Lottery Fund have awarded a development grant of £275,400 to the Shuttleworth Trust and Central Bedfordshire Council who are working in partnership to restore the Swiss Garden. The money will be used to develop detailed specifications for works which will underpin a Round Two bid seeking a grant towards improvements and conservation work within the Swiss Garden.

The Swiss Garden, acquired by Joseph Shuttleworth in the early 1800's, is an outstanding example of the Regency fashion for creating gardens designed to capture the essence of picturesque Alpine Scenery. Contrived vistas, fernery, a grotto and thatched rustic buildings were laid out to create this atmospheric garden. Project plans include restoring the garden landscape and its architectural treasures. the local community will help to research the garden's history whilst skills training placements will be offered to help restore the unique ironwork and rustic decoration.

See below for details of guided walks in Central Bedfordshire

The Wildlife Trust also organise guided walks.

If you are a film company looking for locations why not explore the opportunities available with Central Bedfordshire Council.

Located not far from London, with easy access via the M1 and A1, Central Bedfordshire boasts both picturesque countryside and distinctive locations. Central Bedfordshire Council is a film friendly Council and welcomes enquiries from the producers of non-news film, television and stills photography wishing to locate their project at a countryside site.

Central Bedfordshire Council owns a range of sites that can fulfil most landscape needs including lakes, meadow, heathland, woodland and country parks. To film in one of our country parks or countryside sites you will need to contact us for a licence. For more information, to discuss your filming requirements and to get a copy of our filming guidelines call The Fundraising Officer on 0300 300 4947.