Saltram starts work on multi-use pathways in parkland

The National Trust has teamed up with Sport England and is starting work this week to invest £146,000 into the existing pathways at Saltram’s parkland to provide better access for their outdoor users.

For almost 60 years the National Trust has cared for Saltram and welcomed hundreds of thousands of people into its splendid Georgian house and surrounding 180 hectares of Grade II listed parkland. Just 3.5 miles out of Plymouth, the number of people spending time in this tranquil place has almost trebled in the last 25 years, and now vital work is planned to not only safeguard the future of this historic site but also to make everyone’s visit as enjoyable as possible.

With so many more people delighting in the beautiful open spaces and enjoying some special leisure time at Saltram, it means that, amongst other things pathways are increasingly coming under pressure, and this is taking its toll on the facilities and parkland.

After public consultations and working with Sport England, the plan is to upgrade and improve the circuit of pathways for the benefit of everyone who enjoys and cares for Saltram. The parkland is already a popular place to walk, run, and cycle and take a stroll with the dog. By upgrading the surface of the paths and signage the aim of the project is to enrich the experience and encourage more local families to get outdoors and active in a safe, traffic-free, green space.

Given the importance of the parkland and the wildlife, great care will be taken over the conservation and interpretation of the land and the protection of its wildlife. Improvements include 2km of improvements to existing paths, 1km of improvements to sections of Route 27 on the National Cycle Network and a new area for young families, in a small woodland space, suitable for children to learn to cycle and gain confidence. Work will start on Monday 13th March until 5th May, and the path along the riverside will be closed to all pedestrians and cyclists from 18th April - diversions for National Cycle Network Route 27 will be in place. The team at Saltram will try hard to minimise impact on visitors while the vital works take place.

Jez McDermott, National Trust General Manager at Saltram, said: “we’re committed to conserving and caring for Saltram for ever and for everyone. But if we do not act now Saltram could become a victim of its own success – these works are fundamental to keeping Saltram special for everyone to enjoy, and we’re aiming for these works not to affect people’s visit and enjoyment of the space for too long”

Ellie Woodward Outdoors activities development officer said “Saltram provides a great opportunity to experience the natural environment, see some wildlife, and get healthy outdoors. We hope this project will allow more people to enjoy being active at Saltram.”
“If we want everyone to enjoy this special place then we need to address the inevitable wear and tear and make Saltram fit for the future and for future generations” she added.

To find out more, visit http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/saltram

Saltram is open every day, usually from 9am-5pm – but un