Calls for changes at Smithills Estate as visitors have their say

Thousands of acres of woodland and moorland make up Smithills Estate, which attracts a loyal following of walkers, families, cyclists, horse riders and wildlife enthusiasts.

Now, a major access survey has revealed what people want to see change at the estate and what they want left alone.

Smithills estate

Better paths, toilets and more parking are among the improvements being called for at Smithills.

But not everyone wants to see the estate developed further, with some respondents concerned that changes could attract more visitors and take away from its wild character.

The findings will now help the Woodland Trust consider possible improvements to the estate, with proposals expected to go back to the community for consultation in mid-2027.

Engaging Communities Officer Katie Thompson said: “It was great to see so many local people answer our survey and give us their ideas and thoughts, and we’re really thankful to have this opportunity for developing accessible green spaces in Bolton.

“When reading through the feedback, some of the themes were consistent and matched topics we had talked about at the consultations in person.

“However, there were also many answers that gave us new insights and learnings which we hope to look into over the next few months.”

The survey revealed just how loyal Smithills' existing visitors are.

Around two thirds of respondents visit several times a week and have been coming to the estate for more than 20 years.

A love of and connection to Smithills was the most frequently given reason for visiting, while leisure walks, wellbeing and enjoying the scenery were also major draws.

Around three quarters of respondents travel to the estate by car, with additional parking among the requests made.

However, some people said they did not want more parking or further path improvements because they did not want Smithills to become busier.

Families were also keen to preserve its wild feel, generally favouring relatively simple additions such as toilets, seating and a water fountain rather than more infrastructure.

Continued improvements to paths and clearer waymarking were among the most common suggestions overall.

Managing potential conflicts between different groups using the estate was also identified as a priority, with designated and clearly signposted routes among the ideas put forward.

Horse riders called for designated paths with suitable surfaces, horse-friendly gates, easy-to-use handles and horse steps.

Cyclists wanted designated routes, bike racks and fewer gates, or gates which could be opened more easily.

Wildlife enthusiasts suggested bird hides, wildlife spotting boards, feeding stations and guided nature trails.

Interest in biodiversity and volunteering was also higher than in the Woodland Trust's 2023 survey.

Accessibility emerged as another important issue.

An online access guide and 360-degree viewpoints proved popular, particularly as a way of allowing people with disabilities to check routes before travelling.

Respondents particularly wanted information about gradients, path surfaces and their condition, while a designated accessible route was another possibility raised.

Views on a potential visitor centre were mixed, although several people said an indoor space would be useful.

Despite the estate's loyal following, the survey also uncovered a more surprising obstacle to attracting new visitors.

Among respondents who had not been to Smithills, the biggest barrier was simply that they had never heard of it.

The Woodland Trust has now completed its first round of analysis, with the local team left with more than 80 pages of figures, graphs and suggestions to consider.

Woodland Trust officials met with residents. L-R: Eddee Endley, George Ogden and Katie Thompson

The findings will be combined with feedback from face-to-face consultations and local community groups.

Over autumn and winter, the trust plans to identify gaps in the information and speak to groups which have not yet had the opportunity to have their say.

It said it would seek to balance the different needs and opinions of visitors with its wildlife and nature conservation goals.

The Woodland Trust then hopes to return to the community in mid-2027 with proposed pathways and other improvements, giving people another chance to have their say on the future of Smithills.