National Trust Objects Multiple Traveller Sites Citing Environmental Concerns Across England

The National Trust is facing criticism and opposition regarding its stewardship and development plans for several sites in England, particularly involving walking paths and traveller site proposals. At Cuckmere Haven in East Sussex, the Trust's plan to close and flood popular walking paths to restore habitats has been met with backlash from local walking groups and residents concerned about heritage and safety conflicts with cyclists. In Greater Manchester, the National Trust opposes Trafford Council's draft Local Plan to convert part of Oldfield Brow, which it owns, into a permanent gypsy and traveller site, arguing this conflicts with its long-term care of nearby Dunham Massey; the council cites a legal need to provide such sites. Similarly, in Peterborough, plans to convert a plant nursery into a traveller caravan site were refused twice due to environmental and safety concerns despite an identified local need for such accommodation. These cases highlight ongoing tensions between development pressures for traveller sites, conservation efforts, and local community interests.