The National Trust has launched a new “green corridors” project with the establishment of a new three-mile route connecting Bath to the surrounding countryside.
The heritage conservation charity has announced that 40 hectares of land alongside the River Avon to the east of the city will be safeguarded from any future development.
The organisation has acquired the greenfield site at Bathampton Meadows which had previously been earmarked for a potential ‘park and ride’ scheme in 2015.
The proposal was later dropped by Bath and North East Somerset (BANES) Council after campaigners raised concerns the development could damage views of the city’s World Heritage site.
Bath’s ‘green corridor’ will comprise 5 hectares of farmland and around 25 hectares of land transferred from Bath and North East Somerset Council.
The announcement is part of the National Trust's plans to create 20 such routes by 2030, knitting green spaces together to connect city centres to the countryside across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Hilary McGrady, director general of the National Trust, said: “Many of us have felt the benefit of spending time in the outdoors and close to nature especially over the past couple of years. We want to make it easier for more people to spend time in nature, and to give people in cities the chance to access the countryside more easily.
“Connecting up green spaces isn’t just good for people, it’s also good for wildlife, allowing animals and birds to move from one habitat to another.”
The National Trust said an official start and end point for the route was still to be determined, but the ambition was for it to begin close to the historic Bath Abbey, and finish in the village of Batheaston.
It added that people on the route would be able to extend the walk with a visit to Little Solsbury Hill, which is already in the care of the National Trust, to enjoy views over the city.
The organisation said it would consult closely with the local community and stakeholders to develop an “exciting vision” for the land.
Tom Boden, general manager for the National Trust’s Bath properties said the new route would allow the city’s 100,000 residents and thousands of people who visit it each year to enjoy the countryside.
Mr Boden said: “As well as improving paths for walkers, we’ll be exploring if and how we can enhance cycle access along parts of this route.
“It’s thanks to the passion and commitment of local people who care about this important green space, and thanks to our close partnership with Bath and North East Somerset Council, that we’re now able to explore the possibilities presented.”
Richard Samuel, deputy leader and cabinet member for economic development and resources at BANES Council, added: “Transferring Bathampton Meadows to the National Trust ensures the land is protected forever against inappropriate development and it also supports our commitment to tackle the climate and ecological emergency. The transfer will provide much improved public access and an enhanced open space.”
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