Environmental charity The Greensand Trust has launched an appeal to raise funds to replenish and expand its popular Fairy Trail at Rushmere Country Park which is coming to the end of its natural life.

Rushmere Country Park, near Leighton Buzzard, has always been a place where imagination takes flight and nature whispers its secrets. Among its winding paths and trees lies a hidden gem that brings joy to thousands - the Fairy Trail. This beautiful woodland walk, dotted with fairy doors, sculptures and storytelling spots, has become a beloved destination for families, children and dreamers of all ages. But like all magical places, it needs a little help to thrive.

The Fairy Trail is made up of whimsical items made entirely from natural materials found at the park by local artist and award-winning woodcarver Ian Freemantle. It includes the Fairy King watching over the fairies who live behind the fairy doors, seating with fairy tale and nature-based motifs and our iconic Giant’s Chair, popular as the perfect spot for photographs. A later addition to the Fairy Trail was the Oak Wood sculpture trail – a more nature-based trail of giant wooden insects designed to withstand climbing.

With many items now approaching the end of their natural life after 15 years, much needs to be replaced for safety reasons. As the trail is part of the park’s unique draw, we’re calling on visitors who have previously enjoyed the wonders of our Fairy Trail to support our appeal so we can replace the trail with items equally beautiful, enabling new generations to enjoy it.

The appeal has already received two generous donations to kickstart the £25K needed – Collins Aerospace, based in Leighton Buzzard, has kindly donated £10K and The Leighton Buzzard Townlands Trust has given £3K for which we’re extremely grateful.

Gill Welham, Chief Executive of The Greensand Trust, commented:

These generous donations to our Fairy Trail Appeal, together with money raised at the park over the Christmas period by visitors taking part in our Natural Christmas Trail, have provided an excellent start to our fundraising to make the refurbishment of the much-loved Fairy Trail happen. We hope that visitors will get behind the appeal to enable us to purchase replacements and additional items to provide more happy times for families in the years to come.

The park’s Fairy King Quercus is about to take his leave, along with many of the fairies who live behind the fairy doors – they are off to pastures new on their adventures while we await new arrivals to take their place. 

The Trust’s plans include a new Giant’s Chair and Fairy King sculpture, new fairy doors and play sculptures for kids to play on and a new, larger Leaf Circle. We are recommissioning Ian Freemantle as the artist and are delighted to support a local craftsperson once again.

Whether you’ve wandered the trail yourself, or simply believe in the power of nature and imagination, your support can make a real difference as every contribution, big or small, helps keep the fairies fluttering and the stories unfolding.

Please donate here