Ashridge Estate

Ashridge Estate is a 2,000 hectare (5,000 acres) area of the Chiltern Hills AONB with beech and oak woodlands, commons and chalk downlands. These very different landscapes each support a rich variety of wildlife, including carpets of bluebells in spring, rare butterflies in summer and fallow deer that rut in autumn.

In recent years the population surrounding Ashridge Estate has increased significantly and we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of visitors to the estate, particularly around Monument Drive and the visitor centre area. This increase in footfall is beginning to have a significant impact on the landscape and the special habitats in our care.

We are planning 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. Read more about the Protecting Our Roots project.

A working estate

The National Trust took over the Ashridge Estate in 1926 and our Countryside team still manage the landscape as a working estate, continuing 3,000 years of tradition. We use livestock to help look after the diverse habitats on the downlands and our foresters fell timber to ensure the health of the woodland. Keep an eye out for both two and four legged conservation team members during your visit, our human ones will be happy to answer questions on our work.