National Trust set to deliver first of its green corridors in Bath

The National Trust has launched a project to link city centres directly to the countryside by “knitting together” patches of green space to create green corridors to rural areas.

Credit: National Trust Images and John Miller

By connecting towpaths, parks, woodlands and green spaces the conservation charity aims to remove barriers that might prevent people from inner city neighbourhoods feeling they can access large green areas.  

The first confirmed corridor will be in Bath, where residents and visitors will benefit from a new three-mile route connecting the historic city to the surrounding green spaces. 

The announcement follows two years after the National Trust first announced its ambitions to create 20 accessible green corridors across England, Wales and Northern Ireland by 2030.  

Hilary McGrady, Director-General of the National Trust says, “These routes will improve access to nature for those living in urban areas who may feel disconnected from the countryside or cannot access rural areas easily. Research has shown that engaging with nature is good for our wellbeing, and that those connected to nature are likely to do more to help protect it.

“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.”

This first green corridor at Bathampton Meadows, Bath will be created thanks to the acquisition of just over 40 hectares of land – 16 hectares of farmland and a transfer of 24 hectares from the local council. This safeguards the area from any threat of future development. It was previously proposed as a potential site for a Park and Ride in 2015.

With an official start and end point still to be determined, the ambition is for the route to start close to the historic medieval Bath Abbey, and a likely end point in Batheaston.

Tom Boden, General Manager for the National Trust’s Bath properties says, “We’re really excited to finally be able to announce this project as it will make it possible for the 100,000 residents of Bath and thousands of visitors each year to head out of the city to enjoy the countryside.

“With the meadows now protected forever, we will consult closely with the local community and stakeholders over the coming months to develop an exciting vision for the land to benefit both people and nature.  

“As well as improving paths for walkers, we’ll be exploring if and how we can enhance cycle access along parts of this route.  

Councillor Richard Samuel, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Resources, at Bath and North East Somerset Council said, “Both the council and residents care deeply about the future of Bathampton Meadows, it is a treasured wildlife habitat and wonderful green space. 

“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.”