National Trust expands park by 32 hectares

Former agricultural land has been turned into additional public park space for people in Plymouth, the National Trust has said.

The 32 hectares (79 acres) of green space has “significantly” increased the size of the trust’s land in Saltram and included a new 2.5km (1.5 mile) multi-use trail suitable for all users funded by Sport England through the National Lottery and the Trust, it said.

It added a series of rest stops had also been installed along the trail, offering “stunning views across Plymouth” and linking with Saltram’s existing paths including The Dell.

National Trust Saltram general manager Jez McDermott said the opening was “a landmark moment” for Plymouth and Saltram.

He said: “This investment in access, wellbeing and nature means more people can enjoy everything Saltram has to offer.

“Whether you’re walking, wheeling, cycling, spending time with family or simply taking a moment to enjoy the views, we hope Saltram East becomes a place that people return to for generations to come.”

The trust said investments had been made to “boost the diversity” of nature and wildlife in the area and that it had planted new wildflower hay meadows across the site to create homes for wildlife.

It said it also planned to build a community forest by building up to 12,000 trees in the coming winter.

The trust said the existing country park attracted about one million visits each year and it expected the additional land to provide “significant health and wellbeing benefits” for locals.

Lisa Dodd-Mayne, of Sport England, said access to nature “shouldn’t be a luxury”.

She said: “In a growing city like Plymouth, these new trails will make it easier for more people to build active travel into everyday life, get outdoors and enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits of green spaces close to home.”

Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].