News
Telford Access to Nature project celebrates a hugely successful two years |
| Posted by Cadi Price - Telford Access to Nature Partnership Officer on 27 Sep 2011 |
Severn Gorge Countryside Trust work in partnership with Shropshire Wildlife Trust, Green Wood Centre, Shropshire Community Health NHS 'Green Gym' and Telford & Wrekin Council to deliver the project. Support is given by The Gorge Parish Council. The Fieldfare Trust has trained a User Group to access audit the woodland paths. These audits have been augmental in installing accessible footpaths and woodland furniture such as kissing gates.
To date, over 4000 people have participated in outdoor activities improving their health, knowledge in nature and woodland activities while making new friends.
Severn Gorge Countryside Trust volunteers meet weekly to provide better access to walkers and wildlife keeping paths open, installing steps, kissing gates and benches. See the volunteers programme. New volunteers are always welcome to join this friendly group of local people.
Following the success of the summer walks programme in the Ironbridge Gorge, a family nature club 'Little Acorns' has been set up to provide guided family walks every school holiday throughout the year. See the nature walks programme.
Green Wood Centre provides many volunteering opportunities for children in Forest School led by Forest School leader, Helen Howes, for 16-18yrs olds in woodland management, and for everyone in learning skills woodland management, hedge-laying, coppicing and woodland monitoring through OCN courses led by Matt Beech.
Shropshire Wildlife Trust have delivered over 60 excellent environmental activities for families and groups of young people in their local woodland or green space, led by Bryony Carter, People and Wildlife Officer. Look out for another 30 events before July 2012.
Green Gym volunteers, managed by Cliff Hallam, have installed new steps, benches, raised beds and have improved paths in many areas across Telford making a huge difference to people walking the footpaths.
Local contractors have also made a huge difference to accessibility in many areas across Telford such as Rough Park, Apley Woods, Ironbridge Gorge woodlands and The Mound at Ladygrove, Dawley.
Eight green places have new interpretation panels to show walking routes and heritage information, some with circular routes and leaflets to help people explore the local area.
Peter Loat, Natural England`s Access to Nature Regional Adviser said: “I am delighted that the Telford Access to Nature project has had such a fantastic second year. Severn Gorge Countryside Trust have completely embraced the aims of Access to Nature and have provided a wonderful array of activities and opportunities for the people of Telford to experience, learn about and enjoy their natural environment ”.
Telford Access To Nature Project has been awarded £309,248 by Natural England as part of it’s Access to Nature Programme, Funded by £25 million from the Big Lottery Fund’s Changing Spaces Programme.
