THE local community are being invited to share their views on the future of Mount Edgcumbe Country Park as plans are developed to help protect and manage the historic estate for years to come.

A £65,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund will fund the development of a Conservation Management Plan and Business Plan for the park.

The plans will set out how the estate can be conserved, restored and managed sustainably over the coming decade and beyond.

Jointly owned by Cornwall Council and Plymouth City Council, Mount Edgcumbe Country Park attracts more than 250,000 visitors each year. The 350-hectare estate includes historic landscapes and gardens, listed buildings and monuments, nationally important plant collections and protected wildlife habitats.

The Conservation Management Plan will assess the significance of the park's landscapes, gardens, buildings, archaeology and biodiversity. It will also identify priorities for future investment and help address challenges including climate change, nature recovery, visitor expectations, organisational resilience and long-term financial sustainability.

Cllr Loic Rich, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change, Cornwall Council, said: “Mount Edgcumbe Country Park is Cornwall's earliest designed landscape, described by Samuel Pepys in 1683 as 'a most beautiful place as ever was seen', and visited today by over 250,000 people each year.

“There is a quality to Mount Edgcumbe that can only be described as sublime. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Tamar Valley, Plymouth Sound and the Rame Peninsula, the park combines grand views, historic character and natural beauty on an exceptional scale.

“This award from The National Lottery Heritage Fund is an important investment in the future of the park as the Conservation Management Plan will provide the strategic framework needed to care for the park's exceptional heritage, support nature recovery, respond to the impacts of climate change and ensure the park remains a thriving destination for residents and visitors alike.

“We look forward to working with our communities, partners and stakeholders to help shape the next chapter in Mount Edgcumbe's remarkable history.”

Purcell, one of the UK's leading heritage, architecture and conservation practices, has been appointed to prepare the Conservation Management Plan, supported by specialist consultants in landscape archaeology, ecology and arboriculture.

The project will run until June 2027 and will include engagement with stakeholders, local communities and visitors.

Cllr Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Cooperative and Community Development, Plymouth City Council, added: “I have loved Mount Edgcumbe since first visiting as a small child. It is a truly special place, rich in history, culture and natural beauty, and enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of people every year.

“This Heritage Fund award gives us a fantastic opportunity to plan for the future, ensuring the estate remains a thriving and accessible destination for residents, visitors and future generations.

“The views of those who know and love Mount Edgcumbe will be an important part of that process, and I'd encourage everyone to take a few moments to share their thoughts through the consultation.”

Anyone with an interest in Mount Edgcumbe Country Park are encouraged to complete a short online public survey, which is open until December 14.