Historic West Midlands estate opens 10-mile woodland walk to public for first time in 1,000 years

Bradford Estates will open its historic woodlands to the public for the first time in nearly 1,000 years with the launch of The Bradford Walk, a 10-mile (16km) network of permissive public paths.

The route, officially opening on 24 September by Sir William Worsley, Chair of the Forestry Commission, combines newly created trails with existing paths and is set to be the longest public path funded through the England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO) scheme.

As part of its 100-Year Plan, the estate is planting more than 195,000 UK-grown trees across 220 acres, supported by EWCO, to increase woodland cover to 20% within 15 years.

The trees will enhance habitats, boost biodiversity, and contribute to national net zero targets. Planting has been carried out entirely plastic-free, using biodegradable cotton and pine resin guards.

The new walk will open up hundreds of acres of previously private woodland on the Shropshire-Staffordshire border, connecting communities with nature and linking heritage sites including Weston Park, Boscobel House and Tong village.

Alexander Newport, managing director of Bradford Estates, said: “We want to open up our beautiful estates in a sensitive way and create connectivity for both native wildlife and the local community. Access to nature has never been more important, and we believe this scheme will also contribute towards the nation’s net zero targets.”

Eliza Newport, Trustee of The Tree Council, added: “During Covid, we walked the forests and lakes on the estates and were inspired to find a way to open up these beautiful spaces for the community. It has taken almost five years, but we are proud to see this vision come to life.”

Keith Jones, Area Director at the Forestry Commission, welcomed the initiative, saying: “This project is an example of how landowners can help achieve the national target for woodland cover and net zero. The expansion of timber-producing woodlands, improvements in water quality, and increased community access are all incredibly positive.”

Future plans include parking facilities, art installations, and potentially a playground to further establish the site as a community hub.

Bradford Estates spans 12,000 acres and has a long tradition of placemaking, from commissioning Capability Brown in the 18th century to creating 19th-century pleasure grounds.