January 2025
Planning application submitted
The planning application for the Sewage Project was submitted in January.
Project
Projects at Clent Hills
We’re always looking at ways we can improve and develop Clent Hills. Some projects may take years to complete – with different phases and milestones along the way. On this page you’ll find details of any projects we have planned at Clent Hills over the coming years.
The Sewage Project - a reedbed waste system
Our visitor numbers have grown significantly since the septic tank was first installed many years ago. As our visitor numbers continue to grow, we need to make sure our sewage treatment system can cope with the increase, and future-proof our facilities for years to come.
We plan to build a reedbed waste system. This engineered structure will harness natural ecological processes to support the breakdown of organic matter in wastewater. Using gravity rather than electricity, this is an innovative, sustainable way to filter waste from our toilets; helping lower Clent’s carbon footprint.
As part of this project, we’ll also be creating new habitats, including 2.2ha of meadow below the reedbed and hedges planted around the reedbeds providing shelter and food to the wildlife that call the Clent Hills home.
When will this work be happening?
Work will start Tuesday 2nd September. It is expected to be an eight-week project, though this is dependent on multiple factors including weather.
We don't see this work affecting visitors - and all areas will still be accessible to the public - including the cafe, the viewpoint path and the toilets at Nimmings wood car park.
FAQs for the Sewage project
Below are some FAQs about the project and ways to stay up to date with project milestones.
How will a reedbed help?
The reedbed will not only create clean water by filtering and purifying wastewater, it doesn’t require energy – using gravity rather than electricity helps us to lower our carbon footprint at Clent.
Reedbeds will treat the wastewater, using natural sustainable ecological processes, before clean water is then absorbed back into the ground. The reedbed will create new habitats at Clent improving the environment for wildlife and ensuring we leave the area better than before development, in line with Biodiversity Net Gain.
Will it smell?
There may be a slight odour in the wetland, as its main purpose is to treat sewage. However, this will be minimal. The wetland will also sit in a separate field, fenced off from the public. It’s unlikely you’ll be able to get close enough to the reedbeds to smell them.
Will I see any excrement?
No, all the solids are retained inside the sewage tank and emptied on a regular basis.
Will the public be able to access the reedbed?
The main reedbed will not be accessible to the public. There will be clear signage around the area and the reedbed will be fenced off, allowing only wildlife in. This is both for the safety of the public, and to allow wildlife time to discover the new area undisturbed.
How will this work impact visitors?
While we will attempt to keep any disruption to a minimum, there is likely to be low-level disruption to visitors when the works are taking place. However, the cafe, Viewpoint path and toilets at Nimmings Wood car park will remain open. Access to the fields, where work is taking place, will be limited, however public rights of way will remain open or diversions will be put in place. Staff, volunteers and visitors will be updated with developments as soon as we know more.
Will the toilets be closed?
No, we won’t need to close the toilets at any point during the project. The change from the current sewage treatment system to the new one is a simple and quick procedure, which doesn’t involve the toilets closing. We will, of course, keep staff, volunteers and visitors informed should this change for any reason.
Will the cafe be closed?
No, we don’t see this work impacting the operation of the cafe.
Will the car park be closed?
We may need to close a section of the car park while work takes place, but we don’t expect to see any major disruptions to parking as this work is carried out. The car park may be slightly busier, than normal due to an increase in staff and contractors on site; this will mainly affect weekdays.
What is Biodiversity Net Gain?
Biodiversity Net Gain, also known as BNG, is an approach to development and land management. It makes sure that habitats for wildlife are left in a measurably better state than they were before development.
If you’d like to find out more about BNG, visit www.gov.uk/guidance/understanding-biodiversity-net-gain.
How will this project ensure BNG is delivered?
We’re working with the local planning authority and ecologists to create a design and plan to offset the impact we will have on the land. This is currently in development, but we hope to share more about the positive impact this project will have over the coming months.
We can confirm that we’re looking to create 51 metres of new hedgerow and 2.2ha of meadow, as part of our work to offset the impact of this project and ensure that we continue to support nature here at Clent.
The Sewage Project Timeline
The Play Project – improving the natural play area and play trail
We know people come to Clent to get outdoors and spend time with friends and family, and an important place for families is the natural play area. As part of the Play project, we hope to improve our natural play area, installing more inclusive play equipment and giving new life to the currently unused natural play trail. We hope to update both spaces and inspire a love of nature through play in the next generation.
Since gathering feedback through an online survey in December 2023, we’ve appointed a design company and have an initial design. The next stage will be to apply for planning permission and secure funding. You can find out more about these stages below.
FAQs for the Play Project
Below are some FAQs about the project and ways to stay up to date with project milestones.
Are you making the natural play area inclusive?
Yes, as much as we can. We’re hoping with the current designs we have, about half of the play area will be inclusive and accessible. We hope to share more details regarding the design once we have planning permission and a date work will start.
I have a child who is SEN – will you be looking at equipment for them too?
Absolutely, we want to make the natural play area as inclusive as we can, and we’re hoping about half of the play area will include accessible equipment.
Will the play equipment impact the natural environment?
We want our play equipment to compliment the area it’s in and be in keeping with the environment. Our aim is to keep any impact to the natural environment to a minimum. As we upgrade the play area, we’ll strive to keep the project in line with the National Trust sustainable strategy.
How long will this project take?
As we’ll need to go through both planning permissions and funding applications, unfortunately, we can’t say with any certainty how long this project will take. We’ll share any updates we can throughout the project, and dates when we’re able to do so.
How long will this project take?
As we’ll need to go through both planning permissions and funding applications, unfortunately, we can’t say with any certainty how long this project will take. We’ll share any updates we can throughout the project, and dates when we’re able to do so.
I’d like to know how this project progresses. How can I stay informed?
We'll update this page with project milestones and new FAQs as the project progresses. You can also follow us on social media, where we’ll be posting updates about the project and sharing any operational updates closer to work starting.
You can ask any of our onsite staff about progress too.
I didn’t know you had a play area for children, where is it?
Our current play area is located at the Nimmings wood car park entrance to Clent Hills. It’s in the wooded area which sits behind the independent, family run cafe. Unfortunately, the natural play area is currently closed to visitors, as the team carry out important work here, such as felling trees and planting fruit trees. Closing the area also allows it some time to regenerate as we add new habitats in.
If you’re passing by the natural play area on your way up the Viewpoint path, you may see the team planting fruits trees in the habitat islands that will remain in the area when the play equipment goes in. This will give birds and bugs living here a new food source and contribute to preserving the ecosystem at Clent Hills.
Where is the play trail?
The play trail is also located at the Nimmings wood car park entrance to Clent Hills. It isn’t currently accessible to the public. It will follow a hidden path adjacent to the Viewpoint path.
How much will this cost. Can you afford this?
We will be seeking funding from external funders to make this project a reality.
Who is funding this project?
We’ll be approaching companies and external funders who can support our vision for play.
What happens if you don’t get funding?
Unfortunately, without the support of an external funder, this project will not be possible. Limited charitable funds at National Trust means the budget would not be available to progress.
I have experience in this type of work, and I’d like to offer my help?
Thank you for the generous offer. We’ll be going out to tender for this work; however, our team of staff and volunteers may need some support clearing the play trail area. We’ll put an ask out for help for this closer to work beginning. We’ll update both out social media pages and Play project webpage.
Clents Hills Play Project Timeline
December 2023
Survey Live
The first stage in improving the play areas at Clent Hills was to assess our current offer. We hoped to capture thoughts and opinions of parents, carers and grandparents through our online survey. Our online survey closed 31st January 2024. The information we gathered was then used in the next step of the project, the design stage. Thank you to everyone who shared feedback. We had over 300 responses!
