Bradford Estates has opened a 10-mile (16km) new wooded permissive path which passes through both established woodlands and newly tree planted areas.

The Bradford Walk was declared officially open to the public on Wednesday (September 24) by Sir William Worsley, Chair of the Forestry Commission, marking the first time that this route through the estates has been made accessible.

Located on the border of Shropshire and Staffordshire, the newly opened path allows visitors to walk through tracts of woodland connecting the historic villages of Weston-under-Lizard and Tong on the 12,000-acre land holding.

The project has seen more than 195,000 UK-grown trees planted across 220 acres of new woodland, funded through the England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO) scheme, a government grant programme in England, which is administered by the Forestry Commission.

As far as Bradford Estates is aware, the Bradford Walk is the longest public path funded via the EWCO scheme.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by local councillors, MPs and conservationists as the newly created permissive paths were formally declared open.

Sir Gavin Williamson, MP for Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge, was among the attendees, along with councillors from Shropshire Council, South Staffordshire Council and Blymhill and Weston Parish Council, plus representatives of the Forestry Commission and the partners who delivered the project.

The planting is part of Bradford Estates' 100-year plan, which focuses on sustainable land management and environmental stewardship to create a lasting legacy for future generations.

Alexander Newport, Managing Director of Bradford Estates, said: "Today marks a truly historic moment for Bradford Estates and the local community. The EWCO scheme has supported the most significant tree planting on the estates in a lifetime which when connected with our existing woodlands has facilitated this new public access route.

“The Bradford Walk represents our commitment to connecting people with nature while contributing to the nation's environmental goals. This project demonstrates how landowners can both play a vital role in addressing the climate emergency alongside supporting health and wellbeing gains."

Sir William Worsley, Chair of the Forestry Commission, commented: "The Bradford Walk is an outstanding example of what can be achieved through the EWCO scheme. This project perfectly demonstrates how we can increase England's woodland cover whilst providing significant benefits to local communities.

“The creation of what is believed to be England's longest EWCO funded wooded permissive public path, combined with the planting of 195,000 trees, is an inspirational example of innovative land management. I am delighted to formally open this valuable asset bringing C21st woodland designs to this remarkable landscape."

Eliza Newport, of Bradford Estates and Trustee of The Tree Council, commented: “We are delighted to officially open the Bradford Walk today. We had a vision to increase our tree planting across the estates and open up this beautiful, natural space for the community to enjoy into the future.”

The delivery of the woodland project is part of Bradford Estates’ drive to increase woodland cover on its landholding to 20 per cent over the next 15 years and consequently sequester significant amounts of carbon dioxide as a contribution towards the UK’s net zero targets.

The Bradford Walk addresses fragmentation of public rights of way in the area, creating a cohesive network that links pleasure grounds, carriageways and local heritage assets including Weston Park, Monarch’s Way and Boscobel House.

The project pays homage to the notable landscape design along the route by the renowned landscape architects Lancelot 'Capability' Brown in the 1700s and John Webb in the 1800s.

Combined with Bradford Estates’ existing woodland, the new planting will create enhanced connectivity through the landscape for biodiversity, thereby contributing to the UK's Local Nature Recovery Strategy.

The planting of an additional 195,000 trees was completed entirely plastic-free, with Bradford Estates investing in eco-friendly Tree Hugger Guards made from cotton and pine rosin.

Future plans for the permissive trails include parking facilities, art installations and possibly a playground, as well as establishing a community asset that will enable Bradford Estates to utilise for events and activities.

Bradford Estates is responsible for managing 12,000 acres on the Shropshire and Staffordshire borders. Working to its 100-year plan and guided by its heritage, Bradford Estates is committed to doing things "the right way", developing sustainable practices across property, farming, forestry and placemaking. · For more information visit www.bradford-estates.co.uk/bradford-walk/