Project

Ashridge Estate - Protecting Our Roots

A view of Monument Drive from the top of the Bridgewater Monument at Ashridge Estate — A view of Monument Drive at Ashridge Estate, Hertfordshire | © National Trust / Chris Lacey

Ashridge Estate is a special place that welcomes hundreds of thousands of people each year, who enjoy spending time in the beautiful, historic landscape.

However, the popularity of the estate is having an impact on this very special landscape that people love so much. In order to safeguard its future we need to make changes to the infrastructure across the estate so we can continue to welcome visitors in a way that allows nature and wildlife to thrive.

March 2026

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Why is Ashridge Estate under threat?

An ecological survey published by Dacorum Borough Council in 2022 estimated that there were approximately 1.7 million visitors to Ashridge Estate each year, and that this volume of visitors was having a significant impact on the Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

Impacts such as soil erosion, soil compaction, vegetation wear, dog waste, wildlife disturbance, litter and fire damage are widespread across the estate, but concentrated in a number of areas, most notably Monument Drive and the Visitor Centre area, which sees the highest concentration of visitors.

Car parking at Ashridge Estate is a significant challenge with the existing hard standing car parks not big enough to cope with the current visitor numbers. Car parking has grown informally, and has ended up being located in areas that have vulnerable habitats and ancient trees.

The grass verges either side of Monument Drive are being badly eroded by the cars that park in this area. This is having a detrimental impact on the soil, ancient trees and fragile habitats in this part of the Special Area of Conservation (SAC). In the next 10 years, more than 36,000 new homes are proposed to be built across the neighbouring local authorities. With the predicated population growth, the demand on the landscape is going to increase and cannot be sustained by the existing infrastructure.

Examples recreational impact at Ashridge Estate

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Vegetation Wear

Trampling from feet, paws and hooves and friction from bike tyres can damage plants and disturb the ground nesting birds and other wildlife habitats.

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'Protecting Our Roots'

In September 2023 we introduced ‘Protecting Our Roots’, our long-term strategic plan to safeguard the future of the estate.

At the heart of our plan is an ambition to move the concentration of visitors away from the most sensitive parts of the estate. Two key sites were identified to create new visitor hubs and provide new facilities to continue to welcome visitors in a way that does not cause long-term damage to the landscape.

Through careful monitoring and engagement with visitors and the local community, we’ve developed a much better understanding of what Ashridge Estate means to people, how they like to enjoy it and what they would like to see for the future.

We’ve been working closely with neighbouring local authorities, statutory bodies including Natural England and Historic England and conservation experts from within and outside the National Trust to help develop our plans.

Watch our video to learn more about Protecting Our Roots Watch here

The Chilterns Beechwoods Special Area of Conservation Mitigation Strategy

The findings from the ecology report helped shape a shared approach to protecting the Special Area of Conservation (SAC). In 2022 an agreed mitigation srategy was developed through joint working between Dacorum Borough Council, Central Bedfordshire Council, Buckinghamshire Council and St Albans City and District Council, alongside Natural England and the National Trust.

The mitigation strategy applies to land within a 12.6km area that extends from the boundary of the SAC, known as the Zone of Influence (ZoI). This area is where the majority of visitors to Ashridge Estate come from and where new housing development is likely to lead to increased visits. The mitigation strategy has two complementary elements which set out measures to manage and reduce harm to the SAC: Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Strategy (SAMMS) and Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) and Gateways

The Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Strategy (SAMMS) is a long-term programme designed to protect the Special Area of Conservation (SAC) from the expected increase in visitors as new homes are built within the ZOI. The projects within SAMMS include protecting vulnerable trees, managing and repairing paths, providing clear visitor information, monitoring changes over time, working closely with local communities and new staff to deliver the projects. The programme is delivered by the National Trust and funded through contributions from new development to ensure that growth helps safeguard this special place for the future.
Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspaces (SANGs) are high quality, publicly accessible greenspaces close to where people live that offer enjoyable routes, semi-natural landscapes and everyday recreational opportunities. They help to reduce visitor pressure on the SAC caused by new housing growth by encouraging residents to explore alternative spaces instead of the more fragile habitats at Ashridge.

Gateways are a new but similar concept to SANGs. The key distinction is that a gateway is located close to, or at key access points to, the designated site and have facilities for visitors.

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Map of ZOI of the Chilterns Beechwood Mitigation Strategy at Ashridge Estate | © Dacorum Borough Council

The Zone of Influence of the Chilterns Beechwood Mitigation Strategy

The Zone of Influence (ZoI) is a 12.6km area that extends from the boundary of the SAC. This area is where the majority of visitors to Ashridge Estate come from and where new housing development is likely to lead to increased visits.

New Visitor Gateways

As part of the mitigation strategy, we've been working with local planning authorities and other stakeholders to explore the Gateway concept, with a vision to create new visitor hubs, or Gateways, in the north of the estate at Ward’s Hurst Farm and in the south of the estate on land at Hill Farm.

Both locations are within the Chiltern’s National Landscape but sit outside the SAC and have fewer designations compared to the rest of Ashridge Estate. All the land in the ownership of the National Trust was carefully reviewed. Proximity and access to the existing road network as well as having enough space to create suitable facilities made these locations the most viable options for the creation of the new Gateways.

We’ve worked with Napier Clarke Architects to complete a concept design for the new Visitor Gateway buildings and landscape architects Planit to develop our plans for the wider landscape.

Pitstone Quarry

Pitstone Quarry is a 60-hectare chalk quarry currently under private ownership which adjoins the estate along its north-west boundary. The active quarry is reaching the end of its operational life and there are aspirations to gift it to the National Trust as a restored recreational area. Pitstone Quarry would be developed as a third Visitor Gateway as part of our long-term vision for the estate.

The proposals for the Quarry are currently under consideration for planning permission with an outcome anticipated the end of 2026

Locations of proposed new Gateways

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Map showing locations of the proposed new visitor gateways at Ashridge Estate | © LUC

New Visitor Gateways map

The locations of the three new Visitor Gateways will help to disperse visitors away from the most sensitive parts of the SAC.

South Ashridge Gateway

The proposed South Ashridge Gateway will be located on existing arable fields at Hill Farm, east of Northchurch Common and south of the Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

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Overview map of the proposed South Ashridge Gateway showing — The proposed South Ashridge Gateway | © Planit

The South Ashridge Gateway on land at Hill Farm

With gently rolling hills, this quiet area of the landscape is rich with hedgerow habitat with pockets of mature woodland which we will extend through new planting. We’re working with landscape architects Planit to transform the existing arable fields into a diverse mosaic of native woodland, wood pasture, scrub, grassland and wetland, enhancing biodiversity and resilience to climate change.

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Illustrative design of the proposed visitor hub building at the South Ashridge Gateway | © Napier Clarke

The exterior of the proposed South Ashridge Gateway

The building has been designed to respect the spirit of Ashridge. We want a building that will reflect local heritage and uses regional, natural materials that are low carbon and sustainable. This includes using timber from the estate for the construction of the main structure and cladding where possible and using a locally made low-carbon brick for the internal walls. The proposed building form is circular, pure geometric form that relates and responds to the surrounding views of the landscape, whilst providing a focal point in and of itself. We want a building that acts as a form of monument within this special landscape that can be a recognisable marker for generations to come who will be embarking on their exploration of Ashridge from this point.

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South Ashridge Gateway interior layout | © Napier Clarke

The circular layout of the proposed South Ashridge Gateway

The proposed building, including the interior courtyard, is approximately 576m2, which is a similar size to the existing visitor centre and outdoor seating area at Monument Drive. The building wraps around a central courtyard which will provide covered outdoor seating and a sense of enclosure, framing views out into the landscape.

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A cross-section of the interior of the proposed new South Ashridge Gateway — An illustration of what the interior of the proposed Ashridge Gateway might look like | © Napier Clarke

The interior of the proposed South Ashridge Gateway

The building will incorporate new visitor facilities, fully accessible on a single storey, including a visitor welcome area, toilets (with Changing Places facility and disabled WC), café and space for National Trust staff and volunteers.

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North Ashridge Gateway

The North Ashridge Gateway is to be located at Ward’s Hurst Farm to the north of the Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The site takes in open farmland interlaced with native hedgerows and offers exquisite views across the historic landscape towards Dunstable Downs.

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Overview map of the proposed North Ashridge Gateway | © Planit

The proposed new North Ashridge Gateway

Ward’s Hurst farm offers an amazing opportunity to transform this space into a nature-rich landscape that will provide visitors with a doorway into the outdoors, offering walking connections to the Icknield Way, Ivinghoe Beacon, Duncombe Terrace and Dockey Wood.

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A view toward the existing farm buildings at Ward's Hurst Farm — The existing buildings at Ward's Hurst Farm which will be repurposed for the proposed North Ashridge Gateway | © Planit

The historic farm buildings will be transformed to provide new facilities for visitors.

A new complex of buildings built around a central courtyard space which will provide essential amenities such as a large indoor café offer, toilets (including Changing Places facility and disabled toilets), retail shop, exhibition and a flexible community space. The space will be bordered on its western edge by a large area of covered seating which will provide amazing views towards Dunstable and Whipsnade.

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The current walled garden at Ward's Hurst Farm showing long grass, historic wall and mature trees — The historic walled garden at Ward's Hurst Farm as it exists currently | © Planit

The 17th century walled garden at Ward's Hurst Farm as it currently exists

The walled garden will be restored with a new offer that revitalises this space and which will work in tandem with a new café kiosk to be located within the farmhouse in order to create a sheltered space for visitors to enjoy, punctuated with views out into the wider landscape. The walled garden is the legacy of a 17th century walled orchard that was located on this spot. Our design reimagines the space to reinvigorate it as part of a climate resilient garden. Inspired by the Chilterns’ rolling topography, we will introduce gentle landforms within the garden walls and sculpted hollows that will provide interest as well as shaded areas for biodiversity to thrive in this special space.

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Pitstone Quarry

The owners of Pitstone Quarry are developing restoration proposals to transform the working chalk quarry into a 61 hectare parkland for nature and recreation. This would restore the natural beauty of the area, create new habitats to enhance biodiversity and provide a natural space for visitors to enjoy. The restoration would take place in phases over an 18-year period with each phase handed over to the National Trust on completion.

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Pitstone Quarry

The newly restored quarry would provide walking routes through chalk downland, grassland and wetland as well as a freshwater lake for organised wild swimming. It would also include visitor facilities such as car parking, toilets, take-away food and beverage outlet. The aspiration to work with Pitstone Quarry as a future visitor hub is an ongoing process involving Buckinghamshire Council and the current land owners. This is an illustrative design of what the hub at Pitstone Quarry might look like. All designs and plans are subject to planning approval.

Find out more about the planned restoration of Pitstone Quarry

How are the Gateways being funded?

Our ambition is to fund the creation of the new Visitor Gateways through a combination of financial reserves, commercial loans and SANG contributions from new developments. The development of these new visitor hubs is an important step in helping to safeguard the estate for the future as the local population grows.

This type of funding from local development will build up over the coming decade once the Gateways are in place. For this reason, we are planning a phased approach to the development of each Gateway, growing the capacity and range of facilities over time.

New car parking arrangements at Ashridge Estate

Car parking is one of the biggest challenges faced at Ashridge Estate and we need to make significant changes to allow us to better manage visitors and reduce damage to the Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

Interim car park

We have been working with our partners and stakeholders to develop plans to create a temporary car park on Meadley’s Meadow to move car parking away from Monument Drive.

The grass verges along Monument Drive have traditionally been used for parking, however this area is in the heart of the SAC and a very fragile part of the landscape. The delicate ancient soil and the unique biodiversity within it is becoming eroded putting the ancient trees either side of the drive at risk.

Creating a temporary car park on Meadley’s Meadow is the first step to restoring the grass verges. Meadley’s Meadow is outside of the SAC and is already used at peak periods of the year for overflow parking.

We plan to create a 134 space interim car park to formalise this area and provide suitable parking capacity on the meadow. 75 spaces will be the core car park with an additional 59 overflow spaces for use at peak times. Based on projected visitor demand this should cover 85% of the year.

We also plan to install a path for visitors and a knee-high barrier running the length of Monument Drive to control car parking on the SAC grass verges.

The temporary car park will be constructed to minimise the impact on the meadow and remain in place until the visitor hubs are created, at which point the temporary car park will be removed and the meadow restored.

The below are illustrative designs of what the interim car park might look like. All designs and plans are subject to planning approval.

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Design of the interim car park

A high level design showing the 134 space interim car park on Meadley's Meadow.

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The future of Monument Drive

Once the interim car park is in place cars will no longer be able to park in this area. A timber knee rail either side of the surfaced drive will help keep visitors safe from traffic and prevent cars from parking on the grass verges, allowing the soil, grass and trees to be protected.

Slider with before and after images

Illustration of Monument Drive today — BEFORE Large concentration of visitors at the heart of the Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and many cars parked on the delicate grass verges. The ground becomes churned up, particularly in wet weather and the soil is badly eroded and compacted. AFTER Reduced car parking and visitor facilities means nature has returned. The grass verges are healthy and bursting with wildlife. The veteran trees along the drive continue to grow into ancient trees. The historic view from the Bridgewater Monument to Ashridge House has been restored. | © LUC

Example illustration of Monument Drive in the future

Parking on the wider estate

Away from Monument Drive, there are 25 smaller informal car parks across the wider estate that have been created over time. Many of these are on the SAC and the delicate and fragile soil in the areas are becoming eroded.

We will continue to monitor car parking across the estate but it is our ambition to close some of these car parks as the new visitor hubs come into operation.

Car parking charges

We will be introducing car park charges at Ashridge Estate and are exploring options on how best to implement the changes as part of the wider car park management strategy.

As a charity we rely on income generated from car parking and other commercial activity to help fund our vital conservation work.

Introducing car parking charges will help generate income to look after this special place and allow us to better manage visitor numbers.

Parking will always be free for National Trust members.

Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Strategy (SAMMS)

Alongside the development of the new Visitor Gateways (SANGs), a programme of Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Strategy (SAMMS) projects has been agreed as part of the agreed mitigation strategy.

The Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Strategy (SAMMS) is a long-term programme of work designed to protect the Special Area of Conservation (SAC) from the expected increase in visitors as new homes are built in the area and is a key part of the mitigation strategy. Twenty-one areas of work have agreed between the National Trust, four local authorities and Natural England, totalling £18.2 million over 80 years.

Each year, the National Trust submits a programme of investment detailing upcoming mitigation projects and forecast spend, which is then agreed by the four local authorities. The SAMMS programme is in addition to the other countryside and forestry work undertaken by the National Trust to protect this special landscape.

SAMMS projects we have been delivering

Dogs

Ashridge is a popular place for dog walkers. We have been working on ways to welcome visitors with dogs while protecting the estate.

We have installed 12 new dog waste bins and worked with Dacorum Borough Council to extend the dog control Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to include the southern part of the estate as ways to reduce the amount of dog waste left on the ground.

We have also introduced a professional dog walking licence to promote responsible dog walking and protect the estate’s wildlife and habitats.

A dog waste bin at Ashridge Estate next to a large tree — One of the new dog waste bins that have been installed across Ashridge Estate | © National Trust

Protecting Our Roots project latest updates

March 2026

Public Engagement Event 2026

In March 2026 we held a Public Engagement Events in surrounding villages and Berkhamsted Civic Centre. More than 450 came to see our emerging plans and talks to us about our work to look after the estate. We were delighted to speak to so many people, hear what they love about Ashridge and get feedback to help us as we develop our vision for the estate.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. We want to continue to welcome visitors to Ashridge Estate but in a way that does not cause long term damage to the habitats in our care, which we are required by law to protect.

Much of Ashridge Estate, including Monument Drive, is designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), which recognises the rare habitats and species found here. The pressure on the landscape from visitors has increased over time, which is having an impact on the protected landscape. If we don’t act now, the special and protected habitats are at risk of irreversible damage.

The National Trust and four local planning authorities, with advice from Natural England, have worked together to develop a mitigation strategy. This strategy sets out how to protect nature at Ashridge, while allowing people to continue to enjoy the site. It puts forward various measures to help limit further damage to the most sensitive parts of the estate, including Monument Drive. This includes the creation of two new visitor hubs or “gateways”, with dedicated parking and visitor facilities to provide access to alternative natural spaces while helping to reduce visitor pressure in the most sensitive parts of the landscape. Some visitor parking will remain at Monument Drive including dedicated parking for those with mobility impairments.
Pitstone Quarry is an operational chalk quarry under private ownership which adjoins the estate along its north-west boundary. The quarry owner is re-assessing the restoration design and working plans. Subject to planning permission being granted by Buckinghamshire Council and Hertfordshire County Council, the quarry owner plans to gift the land to the National Trust (in two phases). The land will be an enhanced restoration, with landscape, biodiversity and recreational aspects. The National Trust has been working with the owner to develop their proposals. A planning application has been submitted to Buckinghamshire Council and Hertfordshire County Council. Please visit www.pitstone-quarry.co.uk for more information.
Our plans do not restrict access to Monument Drive but aim to restore this part of the Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

The delicate grass verges either side of the drive are currently being badly eroded by the cars that park in this area. Installing a knee rail and stopping cars from parking here will allow the grass verges to regenerate and prevent further damage to the roots of some of the oldest and most significant trees on the estate. This will also make it safer for all visitors to the estate and improve the experience for everyone.

Cars that currently park here will be able to park in the interim car park, or the new visitor hubs once they are ready.
Installing a knee-high rail with regular gaps for access and removing cars from parking on the grass verges will create a safer environment for all users of this part of the estate. Currently vehicles parked on the grass verges can block Public Rights of Way and Bridleways and there is no barrier between vehicles and pedestrians. Our long-term plan is to install a surfaced path along the northern edge of the drive to improve access and protect the soil from further erosion.
Parking charges will be introduced across the estate. In the future anyone who wishes to park at Ashridge Estate will have to pay for parking, unless they are a National Trust member. We have a duty of care to look after this special landscape, and as a charity we need to generate the funds required to do so. All income generated from car parking will go directly into funding important conservation and maintenance work across the estate.

Contact us

If you’d like to get in touch please email the project team.

We would also appreciate it if you could complete our short survey.

Family walking a dog at Ashridge Estate, hertfordshire

Discover more at Ashridge Estate

Find out when Ashridge Estate is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

Plan your visit

Things to see and do at Ashridge Estate

Ashridge has over 80 miles of pathways 5,000 acres of woodland, from the windmill to Bridgewater Monument and panoramic views of the estate, there’s lots to explore at Ashridge Estate.

Summer view of the Bridgewater Monument at Ashridge Estate, Hertfordshire.

Outdoor activities at Ashridge Estate

Ashridge has over 80 miles of pathways to explore, on foot, on bike and on horseback.

Children and mounted warden riding horses on woodland bridleway in Golden Valley at Ashridge Estate, Hertfordshire

Woodland management at Ashridge Estate

The woodlands at Ashridge cover nearly 1000 hectares, the largest in-hand woodland within the care of the National Trust. The variety of woodland at Ashridge means a wide range of habitats are found across the estate including ancient woodlands, wooded commons and plantations.

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Ashridge Estate - Protecting Our Roots

Read about the latest project updates

Why is Ashridge Estate under threat?

Examples recreational impact at Ashridge Estate

Vegetation Wear

'Protecting Our Roots'

The Chilterns Beechwoods Special Area of Conservation Mitigation Strategy

Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Strategy (SAMMS)

Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) and Gateways

The Zone of Influence of the Chilterns Beechwood Mitigation Strategy

New Visitor Gateways

Locations of proposed new Gateways

New Visitor Gateways map

South Ashridge Gateway

The South Ashridge Gateway on land at Hill Farm

North Ashridge Gateway

The proposed new North Ashridge Gateway

Pitstone Quarry

Pitstone Quarry

How are the Gateways being funded?

New car parking arrangements at Ashridge Estate

Interim car park

Design of the interim car park

The future of Monument Drive

Parking on the wider estate

Car parking charges

Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Strategy (SAMMS)

SAMMS projects we have been delivering

Dogs

Protecting Our Roots project latest updates

Public Engagement Event 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the National Trust trying to stop people visiting Ashridge Estate?

What about Pitstone Quarry?

Are you restricting access to common land?

How will installing a knee-high rail make it safer?

When will the interim car park be ready?

When will the new visitor hubs be open?

Will you be closing other car parks across the estate?

Are you introducing parking charges?

When will charges be introduced?

How much will it cost?

How will you manage the impact of parking charges on surrounding roads?

Where will horseboxes be able to park?

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