Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be able to walk my dog once the restored quarry is open?

Yes, well behaved dogs will be welcome.

Will there be toilets on the site?

Yes, it is proposed that these will be located near the car park and would be wheelchair accessible and have a changing place.

Will the footpaths be suitable for prams, children and people with reduced mobility?

The parkland has been designed to provide access for people of all ages. Different routes around the site would suit different people.

When will the restored quarry be open to the public?

The first 35 hectares of the site (Phase 1) including the pay and display car park, the northern area of the site and access around the lake will be open to the public by Autumn 2027.

The area around the lake will only be accessible at weekends and bank holidays to keep visitors safely away from restoration activities in the southern section of the quarry.

Phase 2 in the south-eastern area of the site will be progressively restored and the land will be fully open to the public by 2043.

These dates are subject to planning permission being granted.

What will the material imported for land formation works consist of?

Phase 1 of the proposed restoration will be completed with chalk excavated from Pitstone Quarry, so no imported material required.

Phase 2 will use imported material to reform the landscape. The imported material will be inert and consist of clays and silts excavated from nearby construction sites. All materials will be subject to stringent testing and will be certified by the Environment Agency. Once the imported material is in place it will be capped with chalk from Pitstone Quarry.

Will there be permitted swimming in the lake?

The proposals include access to the lake for open water swimming. A pontoon will be created for greater accessibility. Swimming area will be limited to the western half of the lake while the shallower part of the lake will allow the wetland habitats to be undisturbed. The proposals include changing facilities on the site.

Will cycling be permitted at Pitstone Quarry?

The primary recreational focus of the site will be for walking and swimming. The paths will the accessible for mobility vehicles, wheelchairs, buggies, pushchairs and children’s bicycles but the proposal does not include cycle paths.

The paths around the site will not be suitable to accommodate both pedestrians and cyclists safely. The site will not be suitable for mountain biking. Bike racks will be available to visitors who wish to cycle to the site.

Will the paths join up to existing walking routes at Ashridge Estate?

The proposal includes joining up the paths to existing routes on the estate. Ashridge Estate is under significant pressure from increased footfall which is having a detrimental impact on the special and historic landscape. The restoration of the quarry offers an opportunity for visitors to enjoy nature and the outdoors while easing the pressure on more sensitive parts of the landscape.

Will horse riding be permitted?

Horse riding will not be permitted on the site. The paths will not be suitable to accommodate both pedestrians and horse riders. There are many existing bridleways in the local area and across Ashridge Estate.

How can I find out about work or volunteering opportunities?

Ashridge Estate is always on the lookout for volunteers to help look after the special landscape and more volunteers will be needed for the ongoing care of the Pitstone Quarry site once phase 1 is complete.

To find out more about volunteering at Ashridge Estate visit https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/essex-bedfordshire-hertfordshire/ashridge-estate/volunteering-at-ashridge-estate

Employment opportunities can be found at https://www.nationaltrustjobs.org.uk/