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Footpaths at woods near Harrogate set for £165,000 upgrade

Thursday, 18 April 2024 10:55

(Photo: WTML)

Major upgrades to the footpaths are starting at Nidd Gorge and Bilton Beck in Harrogate to make the woodlands more easily accessible.

Bilton Beck and Nidd Gorge are popular woods close to Knaresborough and Harrogate.

Located in the White Rose Forest and the wider Northern Forest, they are a magnet for ramblers and wildlife spotters alike.

However, the woodland suffers from wet and muddy paths for much of year, especially this winter.

Wooden boardwalks have helped over the years but are now ready for replacing and thanks to generous funding from FCC Community Foundation Ltd, the Woodland Trust is able to set to work.

The upgrade works will include new bespoke stone paths and signage along the route, especially the southern bank of the river Nidd.

It's due to be completed late spring when the ground dries up a bit and gives better access to the machinery needed to complete the operations.

Paul Bunton from the Woodland 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, FCC Communities Foundation grant manager, 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.”

For more details about Nidd Gorge and Bilton Beck and the wider work of the Woodland Trust, go to www.woodlandtrust.org.uk

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