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Harrogate charity starts work on new accessible path

Tuesday, 3 December 2024 11:34

Open Country is making parts of Nidderdale more accessible to all.

A Harrogate-based charity has started work on a new accessible path through beauty spot Fishpond Wood, near Pateley Bridge.

Open Country – which helps people with disabilities to access and enjoy the countryside – has a team of members from its conservation groups working hard to complete the project before Christmas.

The team of around 20 people have been shovelling around 50 tonnes of crushed stone to complete a circular walk for visitors, making it more accessible for people using wheelchairs, mobility scooters and pushchairs.

The work by Open Country is part of a project with Nidderdale National Landscape, to make Nidderdale more accessible for visitors.

Open Country’s chief officer David Shaftoe said:

“It’s amazing how smaller scale projects can make a big difference.

“This very satisfying work is helping to open up this beautiful area to more people.”

Fishpond Wood is one of the area’s hidden secrets.

Tucked away in Bewerley, it is an important example of a landscape designed from the 18th century.

The new path will open up access to an historic ice-house and complete a circuit round the pond.

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