The National Trust, Europe’s largest conservation charity, has launched a new initiative designed to link city centres directly to the countryside by knitting together patches of green space to create a ‘green corridor’ to rural areas. The first confirmed corridor will be in the historic city of Bath, in south west England.

Panorama from Little Solsbury Hill, on the outskirts of Bath. Credit: NT Images & John Miller.

By connecting towpaths, parks, woodlands and green spaces, the charity aims to remove barriers that might prevent people from feeling like 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 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.  

Bath from Little Solsbury Hill. Credit: NT Images & John Miller.

Hilary McGrady, Director-General of the National Trust, said: “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 of Bath and has been made possible by the acquisition of 99 acres of land – Bathampton Meadows – by the National Trust. The meadows, which are located alongside the River Avon, form an important part of the green setting of Bath on the eastern side of the city and the acquisition means the land is now safeguarded from any threat of future development.

Bathampton Meadows and River Avon. Credit: National Trust Images & John Miller.

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, recognising the Georgian trend of seeking out green spaces and countryside for pleasure and to enhance wellbeing.

Walkers will also be able to easily extend the route with a visit to Little Solsbury Hill, already in the care of the National Trust, to enjoy views over the city; or to pick up the Limestone Link to walk to Dyrham and to join the Cotswold Way.  

Janet Redler, Chief Executive of Janet Redler Travel & Tourism, said: “This exciting new project will help make accessing the countryside from our cities so much easier. Rather than jumping in the car or on a bus, residents and visitors will soon be able to follow recognised routes out into the glorious English countryside.”

Bathampton Meadows Riverside cycle path. Credit: Tom Boden.

Members of the Royal Oak Foundation, the American affiliate of the National Trust of England, Wales and Northern Ireland, benefit from unlimited access to over 350 historic sites as well as 610,000 acres of countryside and over 775 miles of coastline.

If you or your group would like to combine the delights of the countryside with a visit to some of the most historic towns and cities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, please do contact our friendly team today and we will put together the perfect itinerary for you. Our Walking Tours are perfect for those who enjoy the great outdoors and our Heritage Tours are tailor-made for those who love exploring the past.

The city of Bath is on the popular Great West Way touring route in southern England, and Janet Redler Travel & Tourism is proud to be a trade partner for England Originals, a partnership of England’s historic cities.