Opening up the Attingham Estate

Your questions answered

• Why is the National Trust creating an outdoor hub on the Attingham Estate?

  At the heart of the Trust’s strategy is improving access to and awareness of our many outdoor locations to encourage people to enjoy the unique pleasure of spending time outdoors in nature.

  We want the next generation to grow up loving and caring for the British countryside. By providing facilities that appeal to them, giving them a positive connection with the outdoors, we hope they’ll grow to love it. The impact of Covid-19 has demonstrated the need for access to nature and outdoor spaces for exercise and wellbeing.

  We want to foster a love of the outdoors - to create increased opportunities for people to get active and enjoy the outdoors in a way that brings pleasure and aids wellbeing. According to the Natural England Report on Green spaces, only 16% of people who live in Shropshire have adequate access to green spaces. The Attingham Estate is over 4000 acres of which only 200 is currently accessible for visitors. By opening the outdoor hub we will be bringing more opportunities for local people to enjoy this special place.

• Why is the outdoor hub being proposed?

  The need for access to green outdoor spaces is greater than ever especially in Shropshire where only 16% of the population has adequate access to green space. At Attingham our visitor numbers are increasing; this puts a lot of pressure on our existing facilities and can impact the natural and historic environment.

  We know that a lot of our visitors come to explore the wider parkland and our research shows a demand for a better outdoor experience. The proposed new outdoor hub is intended to offer these visitors new ways to explore the outdoors and discover nature. Located away from the main heritage site, the hub will also reduce the pressure on our existing facilities and ensure we continue to protect Attingham.

• Where will the new site be?

  The proposed new site will be located on the former Atcham Airfield, land which is currently used mainly for arable farming and next to Atcham Business Park. The runway and some other features remain, and we will be conserving and highlighting the history and archaeology of this area by carrying out remedial works to some of the surviving structures.

• Why was this area chosen?

  We looked at lots of different locations to find an area that would be suitable for the facilities required, whilst having the least impact on nature and the wider landscape.

  This site provides a flat space, with open views, points of historical interest, and the opportunity for sustainable transportation links whilst also bringing opportunities to increase and enhance the landscape and nature.

  We carried out extensive feasibility studies and surveys to ensure that this was the correct location for this development. This included (but is not limited to) traffic surveys, ecology surveys, tree surveys, soil contamination testing, visual impact assessments and drainage surveys.

• What will happen to the main site at Attingham Park?

  The existing site will continue to operate as it always has done for the people of Shropshire.

• What’s happening to the tenant farmers?

  The proposed multi-use trail network is set to run adjacent to arable farmland which will remain tenanted.

  Over many years we have been working with our tenant farmers to make all the land we look after healthier and more resilient. We tailor solutions to each place, often working with farmers to put nature at the heart of managing land. This helps protect water and soil, capture carbon, create bigger wildlife habitats and provide public access, while making sure farmers can run successful businesses and produce great food. Land and landscapes are facing unprecedented threats, and the loss of nature and the changing climate are the biggest risks locally and globally.

  We are working closely with our tenant farmers to ensure that sustainable farming continues across the estate.

• Why are you taking farmland out of food production?

  For many years we have been reducing the intensity of farming across the estate, in collaboration with our tenant farmers. We have been working with our tenant farmers to make all the land we look after healthier and more resilient. We tailor solutions to each place, often working with farmers to put nature at the heart of managing land. This helps protect water and soil, capture carbon, create bigger wildlife habitats and provide public access, while making sure farmers can run successful businesses and produce great food. Land and landscapes are facing unprecedented threats, and the loss of nature and the changing climate are the biggest risks locally and globally.

• What will the new site look like?

  At the core of the site, there will be a set of buildings to provide key facilities and spaces. These buildings were designed in consultation with local community groups to ensure they fit in the surrounding area, and so we can provide a welcoming, exciting and interesting place to visit and relax. The outdoor areas, also designed in consultation with community groups, will make use of natural planting and materials in keeping with the local area.

• Will the new site be environmentally friendly?

  We’re designing the new site with sustainability at it's heart and will carefully use natural resources where possible.

  We have been careful to take into account the wildlife, landscape character and features in designing the site. New buildings will be energy efficient and well insulated. We will be using green energy options where practicable, such as; solar, and ground/ air source heating.

  The National Trust aims to become carbon net zero by 2030, by reducing emissions from our operations in line with science-based targets, and for those carbon emissions we can’t reduce, we’ll remove the equivalent amount from the atmosphere in our land and habitats.

  Find out more about our Nature Recovery work

• How accessible will the new site be?

  Accessibility is a high priority for the proposed new site. We aim to provide opportunities for everyone to explore and enjoy the outdoors. We are working towards National Trust accessibility standards, we have commissioned an external Accessibility Consultant, and we have also consulted various local community groups around access.

  Accessible parking bays will be located close to the building and level access will be provided to, around and inside the building. The toilet facilities will include a ‘Changing Places’ accessible toilet and separate baby changing area. We’ll provide a variety of seating and benches, including accessible picnic benches outside.

  The outdoor hub would create new, accessible footpaths and multi-use trails. We’ll use a mixture of surfaces to allow wheelchair users to enjoy the new trails. Benches will be installed along the paths so you can rest while you enjoy the surroundings.

• Will the new site attract new visitors?

  The number of visitors to the Attingham Estate has been growing each year and we expect this growth to continue in the future – even without the new hub site.

  While the addition of new facilities may generate some new visits, the outdoor hub is being designed to help disperse our visitors across the wider estate – which is why we’re locating it away from the main site. This will allow us to better manage the growth in visitors that is already happening and will reduce the pressure on the main visitor attraction, so we can protect Attingham’s heritage.

• When will the new site be open to visitors?

  Our team will now work through the Committee’s conditions and plan our next steps. There is still a long way to go, but this decision marks an important moment in the journey.

• Will there be a café at the new site?

  Our plans do include food and beverage provision at the new site, and we are currently with community groups and visitors on what this might look and feel like for when we open phase one of the site.

• Will the site be dog friendly?

  You will be able to bring your four-legged friend along. We are currently working on what this looks like but due to the nature of the site and the future activity we will be asking for paws on paths and most areas will be dogs on leads. As part of the plans we are looking at where we can have dedicated off lead areas.

• Will there be opportunities for horse riding?

  Our plans include a network of permissive bridleways that will connect existing rights of way. Horse box parking will unfortunately not be possible; however, we will have horse tie ups and mounting blocks so you can stop for a snack and the toilet on your journey through the site.

• What is proposed for children?

  Attingham Park has excellent existing facilities for pre-school and primary school children. At the proposed new site, we will be focusing on late primary age children to young adults with natural play and activities. We are working with communities, partners, and children and young people to develop what this would look like.

• Will visitors be affected during the construction of the hub?

  No, the site is away from the current main visitor route.

• How are you protecting the archaeology on the site?

  We are working with archaeology consultants and the council to protect and enhance the archaeology remaining onsite.

• How will you protect wildlife in the area?

  Our job is, and always will be, to protect and care for places so people and nature can thrive. Throughout the planning process we’ve considered how we can best protect important wildlife areas, improve existing natural habitats and create new wildlife-friendly areas.

  When choosing a site for the hub, we carried out intensive and robust surveys to establish the ecological baselines, this gives us the opportunity to improve the site for wildlife – which is a key aim for the project.

  We’ve carried out a detailed ecology survey and aim to avoid working in areas that contain protected and important species and habitats. Construction will be carefully managed. We will be creating new habitats and planting trees, shrubs and an orchard.

  The outdoor hub will be a place where people can get closer to and learn more about wildlife and nature, so they can help us look after the special wildlife here at Attingham. Keep an eye on the Nature Recovery on the Attingham Estate page of our website for more details about how we aim to protect wildlife and enhance wildlife.

• Will you need to remove trees and woodlands?

  Attingham Estate currently has 10% of its land forested with an ambition to increase this to 20% by 2035. The outdoor hub is a key part of this development with new areas of tree planting identified and opportunities to join up dispersed woodland. As part of the planning tree inspections have been undertaken to ensure the health of the plantations as well as factoring in safety considerations. We will be planting more trees as part of the new site development and enhancing existing woodland.

• Why do you need so much new car parking?

  The car parking for the new site has been designed to be as minimally intrusive as possible, while providing adequate space for visitors wishing to enjoy the facilities. We have to balance our conservation objectives with our visitor's needs and the new park will also ease existing pressures on other facilities around the estate.

• Will there be EV charging points at the new site?

  Yes, there will be EV charging points at the new site.

• What impact will this project have on the local highways?

  We have carried out traffic and speed surveys along the key roads and have been in consultation with Shropshire County Council through our transportation engineers. These traffic studies show that most of Attingham’s current visitors arrive outside of the peak commuting times and at weekends and school holidays. Shropshire Council’s highways authority have concluded that, with appropriate mitigation, the development would not result in an unacceptable impact on highway safety or road capacity, in line with national planning policy.

• What impact will this project have on the local highways?

  We have carried out traffic and speed surveys along the key roads and have been in consultation with Shropshire County Council through our transportation engineers. These traffic studies show that most of Attingham’s current visitors arrive outside of the peak commuting times and at weekends and school holidays. Shropshire Council’s highways authority has concluded that, with appropriate mitigation, the development would not result in an unacceptable impact on highway safety or road capacity, in line with national planning policy.

• How will you encourage sustainable transport?

  Over the next 10 years, the new site will also provide a key link to Shrewsbury, Haughmond and the Wrekin, working in partnership with Sustrans and Shropshire Council, through the creation of connecting cycle routes. We will also be installing EV chargers in the new car park, alongside a coach park and bus drop off area. We are working with Shropshire Council on public transport access. We are working with partners who will be providing transport for school and community groups.

• Will there be volunteering roles at the new site?

  We have around 700 volunteers who already help us to look after Attingham. We anticipate we will need several hundred more to support our new offer, for example cycle hire. For details on opportunities: Volunteer opportunities at Attingham | National Trust

• How many new staff roles will be created at the new site?

  The new site, we will be creating new jobs in food and beverage, visitor welcome, facilities, bike hire, and outdoors teams.

• Are the trails only for cyclists?

  Most of the trails are for use by walkers, runners and cyclists. Any sections of trail at any of our properties that are for the exclusive use of one user group are clearly signposted. We ask that all users follow site-specific guidance to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors. Where possible and appropriate, an alternative route will be available for other users and none of the new cycle-only trails take away existing space for walkers. Cyclists are just one of the user groups who will be able to enjoy using the new trails. However, it’s worth noting that the trails are aimed at leisure cyclists and people who aren’t regularly taking part in activity rather than people who would consider themselves experienced cyclists.

• What are you doing with the RAF Runways?

  The former Atcham Airfield’s runways have largely been reclaimed by nature, with materials from them repurposed by local farms and residences. Interestingly, the metal webbing once used beneath the runways can still be seen in fencing around nearby properties. One of the runways now forms part of the B4394 road, while others have gradually transformed into woodland and wetland areas.

  As part of the new site plans, we aim to preserve the historical character of one of these runways. We intend to maintain its original form and length, allowing nature to continue its reclamation through low-level shrubbery and natural planting. Pathways will follow the length of the runway, connecting walking and cycling routes to new central buildings inspired by the site’s World War II architecture, such as the former control tower.

  It is our belief that this approach seeks to honour the airfield’s rich history while supporting ecological restoration and creating accessible recreational spaces for the community.

• How do you propose to access the site if you do not own the parcel of land required for access?

  As part of the process, we have engaged with landowners and negotiations are continuing.

  Planning permission considers whether access arrangements are acceptable in principle from a highway safety and planning perspective, rather than land ownership. The highways authority has confirmed that the proposed access is acceptable in planning terms, subject to detailed design and standard highway agreements.

  Separately, access to land not in the National Trust’s ownership would require agreement with the relevant landowners. The National Trust recognises this and will continue to engage constructively with the Atcham Business Park owners to explore appropriate access arrangements. Planning permission does not override private land rights, and any future progress would be subject to agreement being reached.

• You objected to the Mytton and Mermaid car park; how does this align with your own proposal?

  The two proposals are not the same. Our objection to the Mytton and Mermaid’s car park related specifically to its location and the impact it would have on the historic village setting, nearby bridges, and important views across Attingham and Cronkhill.

  The parking proposed at the new site is fundamentally different. It is located within the estate, has been carefully designed and landscaped, and has been planned to minimise visual impact and avoid harm to heritage assets or the surrounding environment.