The National Trust is holding a public consultation to shape the future of Lower Halsdon Farm.

Exmouth residents are being asked to shape the future of ‘important’ green space facing the Exe estuary.

Lower Halsdon Farm was given to the National Trust by Stanley Long in the1990s in a bid to protect the land from developers.

The National Trust is holding a public consultation over the future of the 144-acre farm with the aim of preserving its future while benefitting the people of Exmouth.

On-line questionnaires and a public drop-in session have been organised by the National Trust.

The charity is aiming to improve public access to the farm and is keen to gauge people’s views.

A National Trust spokesman said the aim of the public consultation was to meet the needs of local people.

The charity said the land would be preserved for future generations, in accordance with the wishes of Mr Long.

The spokesman said ideas to increase public use could include opening a farm shop or building a cycle link between the A376 and the existing Exe estuary cycle trail.

He said: “At this stage we haven’t really got a plan of what we are going to do with it. The consultation is to hear what people would like.

“We are not at this stage saying we are definitely going to build this or that.

“The broad aspect is increasing access of the green space to walk or cycle, if the people of Exmouth agree.

“Everything we are planning on doing with it falls within the wishes of Stanley Long when he gave it to us.

“Primarily his wish was to protect it from any development.”

Lower Halsdon Farm adjoins a quarter of a mile of shoreline along the Exe estuary and is deemed an ‘important’ area for wintering birds.

As well as improving public access on the land, the National Trust also hopes to enhance conservation management while protecting the landscape.

David Ford, National Trust general manager for South Devon, said: “We would in particular like to the local community to consider; how public access both paths and cycle routes, could be improved.

“Whether they are opportunities to improve the management of the area to benefit wildlife and safeguard the landscape.”

• To get involved, visit http://ntlowerhalsdonfarm.com and complete the feedback form.

• A drop in session is being held at Exmouth town hall on Thursday November 24, 4.30pm – 8.30pm. Or contact the National Trust on (01297) 680507.