Green light for a new multi-use Clyst Valley Trail

On Tuesday 30th October, East Devon District Council's Development Management Committee approved a planning application for a new 3 metre-wide surfaced multi-user trail at Clyst St Mary, from the bridge over the Grindle Brook at Winslade Park, to Kenniford Farm in Clyst St George.

A total length of 1.1 kilometres, it will form part of the Clyst Valley Trail. When complete the Trail will be a 13-km (8 mile) commuting and leisure route, linking the Exe Estuary Trail at Darts Farm with Killerton House and Park by way of an existing multi-use trail from Broadclyst. It will provide a safe, green route for commuters travelling to work in the Exeter and East Devon Enterprise Zone, including Exeter Science Park and Skypark, as well providing leisure and recreational opportunities for residents of existing and newly developed homes. 

Cllr Ian Thomas, Leader of East Devon District Council, said:

This decision to approve the new trail is the first, important step towards delivering the Clyst Valley Regional Park. The new Park will be an accessible green space in the west of the District. The Clyst Valley Trail will form the spine of the new Regional Park, enabling people to explore the diverse places to be found on route, ranging from the tranquil Sowton village and Grade 1 listed Bishops Court, to the Exeter Chiefs ground at Sandy Park stadium. People will be able to join the Trail from many points east and west, but most particularly from new residential and business communities at Cranbrook, Mosshayne, Pinhoe, Exeter Science Park and Skypark.

This stretch of the Clyst Valley Trail will provide a new and beautiful green way through woods and fields. Itwill deliver on the ambition of both parish councils to link up the villages of Clyst St Mary and Clyst St George. It will enable more people to enjoy the outstanding environment in which we live and work as well as ensuring that local businesses such as Kenniford Farm café and Pebblebed Vineyard become more accessible on foot or by bike. 

The next step to bring the plans to fruition will see East Devon District Council submit a bid to the Rural Development Programme for England to fund construction of this 1.1km section in 2019.  Local people can get involved in the early stages by helping to plant trees and restore the parkland along the trail at Bishops Court this winter. Contact Simon Bates on [email protected] for more information.