New 32-Hectare Saltram Park Area Opens to the Public in Plymouth
Former agricultural land in Plymouth has been transformed into an expansive new public park space by the National Trust. The newly opened area features a 2.5km multi-use trail and forms part of a location that already welcomes about one million visits each year.
A brand-new public park area has officially opened in Plymouth, United Kingdom, following a major transformation project led by the National Trust. Former agricultural land in the city has been successfully converted into additional green space for the local community and visitors to enjoy, significantly expanding the footprint of the existing site.
The newly unveiled park expansion covers an impressive 32 hectares, which equates to approximately 79 acres of land. Within this newly accessible environment, visitors will find up to 12,000 newly planted trees. The development also incorporates a brand-new 2.5km multi-use trail, measuring about 1.5 miles in length, designed to improve accessibility and encourage outdoor recreation.
Funding for the new 2.5km multi-use trail was provided by Sport England through the National Lottery, alongside financial support from the National Trust itself. This collaborative funding effort aims to enhance local infrastructure and provide better facilities for the public in Plymouth, building upon a destination that already welcomes about one million visits each year.
Jez McDermott of the National Trust highlighted the broader positive impacts of the development for the local community and visitors alike. "This investment in access, wellbeing and nature means more people can enjoy everything Saltram has to offer," McDermott stated, emphasizing the scope of the project. He added further perspective on the intended visitor experience: "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 emphasis on community health and active lifestyles was further reinforced by Lisa Dodd-Mayne, who discussed the strategic importance of the new trails within the growing urban environment of Plymouth. "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," Dodd-Mayne explained. News of the opening and the project's details were also covered by BBC Devon, bringing the development to wider public attention across the region.
