National Trust plan aims to create new 8 Hills Regional Park

The charity has submitted a plan for the new project to Bromsgrove District Council, which looks to improve access to the countryside and enhance the landscape.

The planned '8 Hills Regional Park' will connect Clent Hills, Romsley Hill, Frankley Beeches, Waseley Hill, Beacon Hill, Cofton Hill, Wast Hill and Weatheroak Hill.

The proposed area is 47 square miles and sits on the edge of Birmingham’s southern urban fringe in the Bromsgrove District, with the potential to include neighbouring green areas in Birmingham and the Black Country.

The National Trust said on its website: "The regional park would help to deliver more benefit to people and the environment, by providing a framework for landowners and organisations in the area to work together, and secure additional funds for access and nature".

Camera Club/ Will Randle (Image: Camera Club/ Will Randle)

Ruth Bamford, head of planning and leisure services for Bromsgrove District Council, said: "At this stage, no conclusions have been reached on any of the submissions, including the 8 Hills project.

“As a council we aim to encourage people across Northeast Worcestershire to get more active and creative, and enjoy their local open spaces, in a bid to help our residents feel better, stay connected and live full and healthy lives.

"We work with a range of partners on a regular basis and together we continually strive to achieve this goal.

"We support the National Trust’s ambition with the 8 Hills Regional Park as a way to get local people more engaged.

“We are working with the National Trust to better understand how the vision of the 8 hills could be achieved through the planning system but any final decisions on the content of the local plan will be taken by Bromsgrove Council members in due course.”