Upgrades at Ashridge

As we reported last year, the National Trust is planning on introducing new visitor hubs across the estate to take pressure off Monument Drive. In the meantime, improvements are being made to the existing visitor centre, including upgrades to the kitchen and to the staff and volunteer welfare facilities.

New kitchen equipment will enable a switch to reusable cutlery and crockery, reducing waste from disposable packaging. Plus essential kitchen and office upgrades will create a more comfortable and efficient working environment for staff and volunteers.

As we went to press, these works were planned to continue into March, with the National Trust alerting the public to the likelihood of some changes to service, including menu adjustments and reduced seating.

Conservation work has also been completed on The Bridgewater Monument. The external granite has been cleaned for the first time in its 200-year history, mortar has been removed and repointed, and the limestone stairs repaired, so visitors can continue to take in the spectacular views from the top of the 32m platform.

The Monument is due to re-open in April.