Popular Lancaster walking route gets a facelift

Tuesday, 30 July 2024 16:05

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

Lancaster City Council’s Susanna Dart (Climate Change Policy Officer), Councillors Jean Parr, Gina Dowding, Tim Hamilton-Cox and Paul Blakeley (Project Engineer).

Work to enhance a much-loved walking route in Lancaster has been completed.

An area between the A6 Scotforth Road and the railway bridge at Uggle Lane in Scotforth has been turned into a small nature reserve.

There is also a renewed accessible path and a new bench for residents to sit and enjoy the space.

Work on the footpath, land owned by Lancaster City Council, has been made possible through developer contributions, also known as S106 contributions, paid to mitigate the impact of new development.

The original footpath, which was in poor condition and covered with overgrown vegetation, has been widened and repaired with improved drainage, and benches installed to bring the route back to life.

Bird boxes and bug hotels also feature along the route to help encourage wildlife.

A newly formed Friends group, which will oversee and help protect the area for the benefit of local residents, are looking to transform the area further as a new nature reserve and create a community composting space with Food Futures, North Lancashire’s Sustainable Food Network.

“This is a well-loved walking route and a key pedestrian shortcut route connecting bus stops to neighbourhoods," said Councillor Jean Parr, cabinet member with responsibility for planning and placemaking.

“Before the work was undertaken, the path was in a state of disrepair, was not accessible and when it rained turned into a muddy mess, so we are pleased that this area has now been transformed into a haven for locals and wildlife to enjoy.

“We will also be re-landscaping areas which were disturbed as part of the works with native bulbs and wildflowers will be planted during council-led volunteer days.”

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