A NEW path at a historic country estate will encourage people to explore the wider park and appreciate the overall effect of Capability Brown's vision says the project manager.

Hugh Warwick, project manager for the multi-use track at Croome Court and Park near Severn Stoke, says the scheme will also allow visitors to make the most of the park, explore it more fully and help them better enjoy its stunning vistas.

The four mile circular route will follow the perimeter of the park, taking visitors from the reception to the Temple Greenhouse, through Menagerie Wood, crossing the main driveway of Croome Court, past the Icehouse and back to the visitor centre.

Meetings have taken place at Severn Stoke Parish Hall to show the plans to residents in more detail.

Documents are now available to view on the Malvern Hills District Council website (16/01129/FUL).

Critics of the scheme have suggested Capability Brown would not approve of the idea but Mr Warwick said it would allow the public to get more enjoyment of his landscape design.

He said: "The key focus of the track is to encourage our visitors to explore the wider parkland, explore ‘Capability’ Brown’s first full commission and get around in all weathers, it will be open to walkers, runners, mobility vehicle users and pushbikes.

"We have worked very carefully to ensure the design and layout of the trail is as sympathetic as possible and have been in consultation with trail designers, ecologists, arboriculturalists, archaeologists, landscape architects, the Malvern Hills District Council planning department, MHDC conservation officer, MHDC landscape officer, Historic England, Hereford and Worcester Gardens Trust, WCC Public Rights of Way team among others."

No costings have yet been published.

Mr Warwick said: "We have designed the trail so that it will be one way for any cyclists, this should help to make things safer and more predictable for other users of the trail. "Where possible, the proposed trail is 2.5 metres wide, to allow all users to safely share the path.

"From experience at other National Trust sites we anticipate at least 75 per cent to 80 per cent of users to be pedestrian, and have designed the trail in such a way that it encourages gentle, family rides, rather than competitive, high speed cycling.

"For example, there are nine gates along the four mile trail, this will actively deter someone looking to cycle quickly, as they could cycle further, faster and more easily on public highways."