Green Corridor: Bathampton Meadows

Here is a map of Bathampton Meadows and surrounding green spaces:

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

The first confirmed corridor will be in Bath, where residents will benefit from a new three mile recognised route connecting the historic city to the surrounding green spaces echoing the fashionable Georgian pastime of spending time in the countryside. 

The announcement follows two years after the National Trust’s Director-General 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” will meander out from the World Heritage Site – and has been able to be created thanks to the acquisition of just over 40 hectares (99 acres) of land – Bathampton Meadows - by the National Trust.  The acquisition means the land is now safeguarded from any threat of future development.

The meadows located alongside the River Avon form an important part of the green setting of Bath on the eastern side of the city.  The acquisition of this critical green wedge – 15.58 hectares of farmland and a transfer of 24.66 hectares from the local council – will mean the land is now protected without any threat of future development, to benefit residents, visitors and nature.  The charity is also hoping to create additional pathways on the land previously belonging to the council.

The area had previously been at risk when it was proposed as a potential site for a ‘Park and Ride’ in 2015.

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.