Hall to improve woodland trail

Dudmaston Hall, near Bridgnorth, recently secured the money to help develop their site at Comer Wood.

The project, which has been ongoing for two years, is expected to take a further three years to complete.

The funding was provided through a partnership scheme which includes The Lottery fund, Sports England and The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.

The 3.5km explorer trail, is one of eight National Trust trails which are to be developed.

The trail, which can be cycled or walked, offers visitors the chance to see local wildlife.

People can now expect to see improve access, a brand new pay and display car park and newly waymarked trails.

The UK’s most northern population of the White Admiral butterflies, can also be spotted on the trail during the summer months.

The site will soon feature a shepherd's hut, which will offer cake and refreshments.

Alexandra Blakeman, marketing and communications officer at Dudmaston, said she hoped people would enjoy the improvements made to the trail.

She said: "Dudmaston Hall is predominantly a seasonal property, meaning we're only open from March to end of October. The trail is now able to open from eight in the morning until eight in the evening.

"It's a fantastic resource for the Bridgnorth area.

"We hope it'll encourage people to get outdoors as well as improve access. We are now looking forward to the summer holidays."

Ms Blakeman added that the seasonal change has made for a wonderful environment for visitors.

She said: "We've seen a real change, it has been lovely to welcome people to the site of an evening, it's been very exciting. We've had lots of activities going on from bird watching walks to butterfly walks."

Dudmaston stretches across 3,000 acres of park and woodland, which includes Dudmaston Hall, four tenanted farms and the village of Quatt.

Staff at Dudmaston are currently looking for new volunteers, who are available to help out over the summer months.

For more information visit nationaltrust.org.uk/dudmaston.