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Organising outdoor events and group visits in the Shropshire Hills

Published:
29 October 2025
Woodland runners at Tyntesfield, Somerset
Runners enjoying a race | © National Trust Images/Peter Hall

If you’re planning an outdoor event or group visit on National Trust land in the Shropshire Hills, please read this guidance before submitting your application. It explains the permissions you’ll need, how to protect the landscape, and what information to include when you apply.

Organising Outdoor Events

Landowner Permission

Before your event can take place, you must have permission from all landowners whose land the event will cross.

If any part of your route crosses National Trust land, you’ll need to submit an application to us for review and approval.

Each application must include:

  • A completed application form
  • An event map
  • A risk assessment
  • A copy of your public liability insurance

Protecting the Landscape

We welcome outdoor events that help people enjoy the Shropshire Hills, but they must be managed carefully to protect the area’s special qualities:

  • Wildlife and habitats – avoid sensitive areas of habitat as most of Long Mynd is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
  • Archaeological features – avoid routes that cross protected sites such as Scheduled Monuments.
  • Local communities and visitors – consider the impact of noise, parking, and access.

Tips for a Successful Application

To give your application the best chance of success:

  • Stay on public rights of way during breeding season (March-August).
  • Avoid sensitive habitats and archaeological areas.
  • Keep dogs on short leads at all times.
  • Arrange parking so it doesn’t disrupt residents or access routes.
  • Use marshals at key points 
  • Encourage the use of public transport to reduce congestion.

Event Maps

Please include a clear event map with your application. It should show:

  • The full event route
  • Start and finish points
  • Marshal and hydration point locations
  • Any temporary structures

Your map must be included directly in your application — please do not use external links to third-party mapping sites such as Komoot or AllTrails. You may attach a GPX file of your route if you wish, but this isn’t required.

Runners at the Top of the Gorge festival 2019, Cheddar Gorge, Somerset
Runners enjoying an outdoor event | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Natural England Consent

If your route crosses a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), we may need to apply for consent from Natural England.

This is usually only needed for events involving ground disturbance or temporary structures. Natural England aims to process applications within 28 days, but it can take up to four months.

We’ll contact you if this applies to your event, and you should wait for consent before advertising or selling tickets. For more information, please refer to the Natural England Guidance for SSSI Consent.

Submitting Your Application

  1. Download the event application form here.
  2. Email your completed application form, event map, risk assessment, and public liability insurance to cardingmill@nationaltrust.org.uk
  3. Please apply at least six months before the event takes place.

We’ll review your application and contact you with the outcome once it has been assessed.

Organising a Group Visit 

If you’re a community or social group planning an outing to Carding Mill Valley and/or Long Mynd, please book your visit in advance. This helps us manage car park capacity and coordinate group visits, ensuring there’s plenty of space for everyone to enjoy the area safely and have a great day out.

Email your completed booking form to cardingmill@nationaltrust.org.uk at least 4 weeks prior to your visit. 

 

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