Sharphill Wood receives UKSPF grant for essential footpath improvements
Last updated: 19/5/2024
Essential works to improve the central footpath at Sharphill Wood in Edwalton have been completed enabling visitors to have greatly improved access to walking through the popular nature reserve in all seasons.
Supported by Shared Prosperity Funding from the UK Government (UKSPF), Rushcliffe Borough Council (RBC) allocated £10,000 to the project which has seen 350m of path stabilised by building up the surface with clean pebble type stone, enabling a clearer and more sustainable pathway for users.
During wet weather, the heavily used paths turned into unpleasant ankle-deep mud and was damaging the ecology of the wider woods with visitors seeking easier routes off the footpath.
The work in consultation with Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust (NWT), Friends of Sharphill Wood and Nottinghamshire County Council’s Rights of Way team concentrated on improving the central footpath surface through the site and new pebble paths have allowed it to be used throughout the year, encouraging users to keep to the path.
Further plans to create a boardwalk over other areas of the site damaged by badger activity are expected to start in September this year.
The site became a nature reserve in 2010 and is managed in partnership with RBC, The Friends of Sharphill Wood and NWT.
RBC’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Business and Growth Cllr Abby Brennan said: “Sharphill Wood is a beautiful gem of a site that was awarded Green Flag status last year and is officially recognised as one of the UK’s best green spaces.
“It’s home to an array of local biodiversity and provides a valuable habitat for invertebrates, small mammals and birds.
“The old soil paths were eroded and difficult to use and we’re pleased we could support the path repair works through UKSPF which has made a significant difference in the visitor experience and protecting wildlife by encouraging users to stick to the path.
“The stone base also suits the natural surroundings and are easier to maintain all year round.”
Friends of Sharphill Wood Chair Chrissie Wells added: “The work that has been done at the instigation of Rushcliffe Borough Council on the central path has been invaluable to the Friends.
“In winter the mud can be quite deep, resulting in path avoidance and destruction of habitat on the ground either side of the rights of way.
“In the past the Friends and especially David Nicholson-Cole have adopted a piecemeal approach, but having this hard work done for us has made our job a whole lot easier and greatly improved access for the public. Many thanks!”
Anyone interested in volunteering and joining the Friends of Sharphill Wood group can get in touch by emailing sharphillwood@yahoo.co.uk.
