National Trust announces expansion of Saltram Estate
It will provide more access to residents in Plymouth and surrounding areas
The National Trust has unveiled plans to expand the Saltram estate, doubling the size of its country park with the creation of Saltram East Country Park.
The extended country park, covering an additional 32 hectares (79 acres) alongside the existing 213-hectare (528-acre) estate, will be free-to-access and aims to open to the public in the summer of 2025, subject to planning.
This transformative project, backed by a £1 million investment from the National Trust and £300,000 from external partners, is designed to enhance public access, restore historical landscapes, and bolster local wildlife habitats.
A key feature of the expansion includes a 2.5-kilometre multi-use trail catering to cyclists, walkers, wheelchair users, and families with pushchairs, seamlessly integrating with the national cycle route.
The new country park will also connect to the national cycle route, providing access for 23,000 households near Saltram, in addition to the 5,500 households in the new town of Sherford, located just 1.5 miles from the estate's edge.
The expansion will not only reintroduce historical vistas depicted in an 18th-century painting by landscape artist William Tomkins but also provide modern amenities such as play areas and outdoor event spaces.
These additions aim to strengthen community ties and provide diverse recreational opportunities for residents of Plymouth and surrounding areas.
Hilary McGrady, Director-General of the National Trust said: “The green spaces in our towns and cities are so important to us all – they’re places to unwind, to play, to improve our health, and to support wildlife. We want to bring nature closer to people’s doorsteps, and by opening up this area of land, we hope to do just that for more people in Plymouth.”
Looking further ahead, the newly extended free-to-access country park will feature play areas, versatile outdoor spaces for informal play or events, and a wheeled activity skills area, suitable for a range of wheeled equipment, such as bicycles, scooters, balance bikes, hand cycles, assisted bikes and wheelchairs.
General Manager for the National Trust at Saltram, Jez McDermott, said: “Our work at Saltram is key in realising the potential of Plymouth as a pioneer city for nature and delivering a green lung for everyone to enjoy.
“This area of the estate hasn’t previously been open to the public. The existing park already hosts around a million visits each year so this additional green space will
allow us to make nature even more accessible by foot and by bike for the 268,000 residents of Plymouth.
“Doubling the size of the country park represents an exciting opportunity for our visitors to embrace the outdoors, promoting physical and mental well-being while safeguarding
precious habitats for future generations.”
The plans are the first stage in a 10-year program designed to enhance well-being by connecting people with heritage and nature in the city.
The project will expand free-to-access country park areas, create new habitats for wildlife, improve visitor facilities, and restore historic landscapes and parkland views.
Additionally, it aims to provide better access and stronger community links to Saltram for the surrounding local areas.
Senior Project Manager for the National Trust at Saltram, Gina Small added: “We are looking to make both physical and intellectual access improvements at Saltram, as well as open new spaces for people to learn about the history of the site and its connection to the city. We are committed to working with the people of Plymouth and partners to shape this next chapter in Saltram’s history to ensure we continue to meet the growing needs of the communities we serve.
“Saltram is a well-loved place for many, but we want to make sure everyone feels welcome to visit and that Saltram can play a more pivotal role in supporting health, wellbeing and education in the years ahead.”