Bringing the borough’s beauty to its residents

A partnership project to improve access to Bury’s beauty is about to enter its second phase.

Bury Council and the MoD have been working on public footpath and bridleway improvements in Redisher Woods and at Simons Lodge in Ramsbottom.

The 725m path through established woodland will give walkers easier access to this popular area of the Ramsbottom countryside. A small number of trees are to be removed, path drainage introduced and the footpath widened and surfaced with crushed stone. Drainage will be improved on the bridleway to prevent flooding from a nearby stream, and both areas of work will use timber from the felled trees to support the structure of the paths.

Phase 1 (425m) has been completed, and Phase 2 (300m) will start later this year. A bench has been constructed from sections of fallen tree and located at the northern end of Simons Lodge, giving walkers a chance to sit and look at a delightful view along the whole length of the lodge. The project will benefit the cadets training at Holcombe Moor as well.

The council is working with Holcombe Cadets Training Camp, the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, and their training and infrastructure support partner, Landmarc Support Services.

David Chadwick, principal officer (rights of way) at Bury Council, said: “The path alongside Simons Lodge has always been difficult to negotiate because it runs along a steep sided bank next to the water. Walkers often had to pay more attention to where they were putting their feet rather than looking at the view of the lodge and surrounding trees and wildlife. In addition, some of the trees along the path had to be removed due their age. The recent wet weather had made the surface of the path difficult to traverse due to the muddy conditions.”

The MoD successfully applied to the Rural Elements of the Estate Strategy (REES) fund for money to carry out the first phase along Simons Lodge and to re-instate a connecting section of bridleway. This was so popular with walkers that a further bid was made for Phase 2, and the council is also contributing towards the cost as part of the path lies within its ownership.

ENDS

Press release issued: 1 August 2013.

Picture attached: Redisher Woods.