Do you walk or cycle the Rodwell Trail? Would you like to be involved in helping to make this wonderful green route across town even better?
‘Friends of Rodwell Trail’ is a group of people of different ages and interests who have one thing in common: we want to see real improvements to the Rodwell Trail. We signed our constitution in October 2005 and our newly elected chair is local resident, Bernard Franklin, following on from David Carter who chaired the group from the outset.
The Friends supported the Connect2 project in the People's £50 Million contest and, as a result, a new bridge will be reinstated over Newstead Road. The purpose of supporting the project was to secure funding to improve walking and cycling routes throughout the UK and this has been successfully achieved on a local level so that the Rodwell Trail will be extended over a busy road into and out of the town centre. To find out more, visit www.thepeoples50million.org.uk. Or click here for more information about Connect2
Throughout 2007 we have been developing some exciting projects from the installation of railway signs on the platforms to the production of interpretation panels to inform visitors about the history of the old railway line. To help raise the profile of the Trail, the group successfully secured a lottery bid for a whooping £25,000 that is funding:
WWII Anti-aircraft Emplacement
The Friends are hoping to upgrade the World War II Anti-aircraft Emplacement (above Asda) to a rest and observation area with the help of Heritage Lottery Funding, Parks Section work in kind and funding from the Crime & Disorder Reduction Partnership. The proposed improvement plans include putting railings along the top of the gun emplacement, screeding the surface and installing new seating.
Wildlife Survey
There is an opportunity to become involved in a Wildlife Survey of the Trail during 2007. A natural history survey of the Trail was carried out in 1994 but nothing has been carried out since. It is proposed that in order to facilitate this work that a further grant be obtained from the Heritage Lottery Fund as it will be necessary to employ professionals to do much of the work. The work would help open up the various overgrown areas to improve the lines of visibility and will ensure less dark and hidden spaces for anti-social behaviour.
Reinstatement of a footbridge in Sandsfoot Gardens
The Friends are working with the Borough Council to link the ornamental gardens to the Grade II-listed Sandsfoot Castle by reinstating a footbridge in the gardens. The Friends have donated £5,000 towards the £16,000 project to replace the timber bridge. A planning application has been submitted and if permission is granted then S.R. Crumbleholme Ltd will be appointed to carry out the work.
The uprights and handrail of the replacement bridge will be built of oak to complement the natural landscape. The infill to the handrails will be stainless steel wires and the bridge footway will be formed of softwood profiled deck panels.
Children's Quiz
Members of the Friends group are working to produce a children's quiz sheet to keep younger residents entertained as they wander down the Trail. As well as being fun the quiz sheets have an educational aspect to them and will be distributed to local schools for field trip purposes.
Rail to Trail Leaflet
To help raise the profile of the Trail, the group successfully secured a lottery bid for a whooping £25,000 that has already funded the 'Rail to Trail' leaflet, which was unveiled in July 2006. The tri-fold leaflet has been distributed to homes throughout the borough via the local Advertiser as well as to various outlets, such as Tourist Information Centres and local libraries throughout the town and beyond.
Signage
You may have noticed the new 'responsible dog owner' signs on display at the entrance points onto the Trail. Irresponsible dog owners who do not pick up after their dogs are a concern along the Trail. The group is working with the Dog Warden, the Parks Section and other responsible dog owners to help tackle the problem. Grab it, Bag it and Bin it is our motto!
Interpretation Panels & Children's Quiz
Interpretation panels are in the process of being made up and will be positioned along the Trail next year. Once these have been installed, a children's quiz will be prepared by local Friend, Anne Kirkland, to make the Trail even more interesting for all the family.
Tree Planting
Last winter the Friends funded and helped to plant 10 English Oaks to establish a small copse along the Trail creating a haven for wildlife.
Responsible Dog Owners Walk
This autumn the Carnival Queen, Laura Stone, joined the Friends of Rodwell Trail and King Charles Cavalier Spaniels for an enjoyable walk along the Trail to promote and raise awareness about the importance of clearing up after your dog.
Litter Picks
The group carried out spring and summer litter picks along the Trail collecting over 80 bags of rubbish on each clean up operation. Look out for posters along the Trail advising when the next litter pick will take place.
Great Charity Bike Ride
The Friends were involved in helping to organise a Great Charity Bike Ride along the Trail this summer. The purpose of the ride was to encourage families to keep active by cycling along the Trail to the Ferrybridge Bird Centre and back (about 4.5 miles). Monies raised were presented to Diabetes UK.
Probation Service
The Probation Service is organising parties of probationers, under the 'community payback' scheme, to litter pick and clean graffiti along the Trail on a fortnightly basis.
Ridgeway Centre
The Ridgeway Centre is helping to litter pick along the Trail from Old Castle Road to Ferrybridge on a weekly basis. This work, combined with that which the Probation Service is carrying out, is having a significant impact on keeping the Trail clean.
If you share our interest, why not join the ‘Friends’. Membership is just £1 per household per year. Meeting and event dates, times and locations are posted under ‘Events and Meetings’. If you wish to join the Friends, please contact the Parks’ Unit who will put you in touch with the group.
