Charity submits ambitious plan for outdoor hub in North Devon

The National Trust has submitted plans for an innovative Outdoor Hub at North Woolley, Shirwell on the Arlington Court estate.

Located just off the A39, less than a 10-minute drive from Barnstaple, the project aims to provide an accessible and inclusive outdoor space for local communities.

The proposed outdoor hub features a 1.2km surfaced multi-use trail helping to give access to all, from cyclists to wheelchair users and from walkers to pushchairs. It also includes a natural play area, a cycling skills area and visitor welcome facilities including a car park, refreshment kiosk, toilets and multipurpose indoor space.

This hub is designed with accessibility at its core. It aims to offer safe ‘entry-level’ outdoor experiences, with flatter, signed trails that cater to visitors who may not feel confident exploring the wilder parts of the Arlington estate. For those who would like to venture further, links into Arlington’s existing 20-mile path network await.

Rob Joules, General Manager for North Devon said: “This an exciting time for Arlington, we want to end unequal access to nature, beauty and history and help people and nature thrive. The Hub will open up a new accessible countryside experience in a largely undiscovered area of the estate, providing an alternative to the existing visitor experience that is already enjoyed at Arlington Court ”.

The hub, situated outside the current ‘pay for entry’ area at Arlington, would be free to enter for those arriving by foot, bike, or bus, with affordable parking (free for National Trust members) with public transport links. Visitors will be able to enjoy incredible views and diverse habitats, including ancient woodlands, wildflower meadows, orchards, and wetlands all close by.

Dr. Kay Brennan, an Exercise and Musculoskeletal Health Specialist and GP, highlights the significance of the hub: ‘The new outdoor hub will be a really exciting facility for Northern Devon. As a GP I recommend regular active connection with nature to patients and colleagues, it can make a real difference to everyone’s physical, mental and spiritual health and wellbeing.

‘The hub will provide a safe, accessible space for local people who may have previously not felt confident or had the resources to get active outdoors, especially those with long term health conditions or disabilities. It’s been great to work with the National Trust and local communities on developing the plans for this facility over the last 18 months.’

The development of the hub, which aims to open in 2026, will also create local employment opportunities in food and beverage and site operations.

The Arlington Estate, a tapestry of internationally significant natural heritage, is on the doorstep of three of Devon's most disadvantaged communities. These communities face high levels of health inequalities, disability, family poverty, and limited access to nature. Over 18 months of consultation, including pilot activities, focus groups, surveys, and outreach with 25 community stakeholders and hundreds of people, have shaped this project to address these barriers head-on.

In line with the wider nature recovery ambition for the estate, this project will restore the land for wildlife, including species-rich grasslands, meadows and woodlands, re-activating Arlington's original historic entrance and 19th century Carriage Drive and breathe new life into the estate.

More information can be found in the planning applicationPlanning application: 79703 - Council Services, and interested parties are welcome to book onto an open day by contactingarlingtoncourt@nationaltrust.org.uk

To find out more about this project please visit: Outdoor Hub at North Woolley | Devon | National Trust