Major upgrades to footpaths are getting underway at Nidd Gorge and Bilton Beck to make the woodlands more easily accessible.
The gorge and beck, which are close to Knaresborough and Harrogate, attract many visitors but the woodland suffers from wet and muddy paths for much of year, especially in winter.
Wooden boardwalks have helped over the years but are now ready for replacing. Funding from FCC Community Foundation Ltd means the Woodland Trust can now start doing this.
The work will include installing new stone paths and signage along the route, especially the southern bank of the River Nidd.
According to a Woodland Trust press release today, the project is due to be completed by late spring when the ground dries up and gives better access to machinery needed to complete the operations.
Paul Bunton, from the trust said:
“The woodland is a cherished resource for local people and visitors from further afield, however some of the paths do suffer during the wetter months so the funding from FCC is fantastic news.
“When complete even more people will be able to enjoy this woodland without having to navigate boggy areas. It also follows on from the tree felling we have had to do over the past couple of years to manage tree disease so there have been lots of changes on the ground however we are aiming to improve the overall woodland experience for all visitors, which will ultimately benefit wildlife too.”
Penny Horne, grant manager at FCC Communities Foundation, which is a not-for-profit business that awards grants from funds donated by waste management company FCC Environment, said:
“It’s always nice to see something we have funded start to take shape. We’re delighted to be supporting such a worthwhile project and we look forward to it benefiting lots of different people across the region.”
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