The National Trust will preserve 40 acres of green space in Bath for generations to come after acquiring land from Bath and North East Somerset Council, and the leader’s father-in-law.
Bathampton Meadows looking towards Bath | Photo © National Trust Images / John Miller
The green corridor will meander out from the World Heritage Site into the surrounding countryside and protect Bathampton Meadows, once the proposed site for a 1,400-space park and ride, from the threat of development.
The council transferred its 25-hectare section to the National Trust to secure its future.
The charity bought 15.6 hectares of farmland at New Leaf Farm for an undisclosed sum using a restricted fund of legacy donations that can only be used for land acquisition.
It said: “The cost of the land can’t be revealed for legal reasons, however, the land was subject to full and independent valuations to establish a fair market value.”
The land at New Leaf Farm was owned by Ken Horler, whose son Steve Horler ardently opposed the park and ride plans for Bathampton Meadows put forward in 2015 and is now married to council leader Kevin Guy.
Bathampton Meadows land acquired by the National Trust | Image © Ordnance Survey
Councillor Guy said he was pleased his father-in-law worked with the National Trust rather than a private developer, and made clear he and his husband had no involvement in the sale or any pecuniary interest.
Their holiday cottage business New Leaf Farm Ltd is a separate entity.
As Bathavon North ward member, Cllr Guy welcomed the transfer to the National Trust as a great achievement, saying: “We’ve basically saved that land not just for this generation but every generation. It’s a great milestone.”
Ken Horler was approached for comment.
Deputy council leader Richard Samuel, the cabinet member for economic development and resources, said in a press release: “Both the council and residents care deeply about the future of Bathampton Meadows, it is a treasured wildlife habitat and wonderful green space.
“Transferring Bathampton Meadows to the National Trust ensures the land is protected forever against inappropriate development and it also supports our commitment to tackle the climate and ecological emergency.
“The transfer will provide much improved public access and an enhanced open space. Bathampton Meadows also forms part of our wider vision for the Bath River Line, an ambitious plan to create a 10km green route running through the city.”
The National Trust will launch a programme of community engagement to develop the future of the meadows in partnership with local people and key partners in order to better understand what the meadows mean to people and develop plans on how the land can better support nature habitats and access.
There will be conversations, volunteering opportunities and drop-in events coming soon.
The charity hopes the three-mile route will become the first of 20 new “green corridors” across the country.
It is expected to start close to the historic medieval Bath Abbey, with a likely endpoint in Batheaston.
Tom Boden, the general manager for the National Trust’s Bath properties, said: “We’re really excited to finally be able to announce this project as it will make it possible for the 99,538 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.
“With the city’s unique position sat in a hollow in the hills, we want to help more people to get out to this amazing countryside.
“As well as improving paths for walkers, we’ll be exploring if and how we can enhance cycle access along parts of this route.
“It’s thanks to the passion and commitment of local people who care about this important green space, and thanks to our close partnership with Bath and North East Somerset Council, that we’re now able to explore the possibilities presented.”
Stephen Sumner, Local Democracy Reporter
