Volunteers breathe new life into scenic Richmondshire walk
FAMILIES now have more ways to enjoy one of Richmondshire's best-loved walks – thanks to a concerted community effort.
Richmondshire District Council joined forces with Carillion Enterprise and Richmond Swale Valley Community Initiative (RSVCI) to install new picnic benches along the scenic Richmond to Easby Abbey path.
The idea was raised in the RSVCI Woodland Management Plan and Habitat Study. In it, consultants Chris Blandford Associates said: "It is suggested that the area of land on the north bank of the river Swale, to the east of Station Bridge, could be developed as an attractive picnic area… Its location close to the town centre and the Old Station makes it easily accessible, and its riverside location would make it an attractive site for such a development."
s part of a partnership effort, RSVCI supplied the picnic tables and benches; Richmondshire District Council delivered them to the site and supplied the tools and fixing materials to install them; and fifteen Catterick Garrison-based volunteers from Carillion Enterprise did the work.
In all, five new picnic tables and five benches have now been installed along the popular walk.
Kevin Stewart, Compliance Coordinator at Carillion Enterprise, said: "All of our volunteers enjoyed a real sense of achievement during their Groundforce Activity Day and it is lovely to think that we have helped to improve this beautiful area."
Colin Grant, of RSVCI, said: "The benches are part of a scheme to improve the recreational value of the woodland around the town. As part of the scheme, the woodland down to Easby Abbey has been opened up, some planting has taken place and bird boxes added. I am very pleased with the outcome."
Gary Hudson, Head of Open Spaces at Richmondshire District Council, said: "This exercise was another great example of how we can all work together to make real improvements to our district. Three different organisations were involved, and we were all able to contribute in different ways.
"With summer fast approaching, now is the perfect chance for Richmondshire families to get a picnic together and try out the new facilities!"
Volunteers from Carillion Enterprise install one of the new picnic tables
Kevin Stewart, Compliance Coordinator at Carillion Enterprise, puts the finishing touches to one of the new picnic tables.
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Last updated:
11 July 2008
