Borrow Pit Meadows opened

Volunteers complete new countryside pathway

Volunteers celebrated the completion of the largest ever volunteer task undertaken by Cheshire East ranger service.

More than half a kilometre of high-quality, all-weather countryside pathway was officially opened by Councillor Sam Gardner at Borrow Pit Meadows, Alsager.

Volunteers, together with Cllr Gardner, celebrated the completion of the new pathway in a ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by a walk along the new path. The project began last May and was completed recently after 800 volunteer hours had been committed to the project.

Care4CE countryside volunteers, alongside the voluntary conservation groups of Congleton and District and Crewe and Nantwich supported by individual helpers, moved more than 240 tonnes of stone, laid more than 500 metres of geotextile membrane and used 1,700 nails to fix 240 path edge boards either side of the new path, which was surfaced with recycled materials.

Care4CE countryside volunteers provided the bulk of the time work for the pathway project and are extremely proud of their achievement.

Councillor Gardner, Cheshire East Council Cabinet member in charge of open spaces, said: "The completion of this important linking pathway is a great example of officers from different areas of the Council working together, alongside many volunteers, to provide a real asset for the benefit of the community."

The landscape of Borrow Pit Meadows is managed by the Cheshire East ranger service which, working closely with colleagues in Ansa environmental services, has turned the closed landfill into a nature reserve and recreation area for local people and visitors.

Cllr John Hammond, chairman of Ansa, said: 'Borrow Pit Meadows is a former landfill site managed by us. We are hugely appreciative of the time and effort that ranger Alistair Wright and the volunteers have put into upgrading the footpath. This is a great facility for the local community."

Circular pathways through different wildlife habitats provide interest throughout the year. The Borrow Pit Meadows link to the Salt Line, a linear trail for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Gateways provide access for all, enabling wheelchair users, mobility scooters and people with prams to enjoy the facility.

Ed: Although not in our immediate environment, we thought residents may well be interested in this release sent to us by Cheshire East of a new pathway in a neighbouring village Alsager.

This article is from our news archive. As a result pictures or videos originally associated with it may have been removed and some of the content may no longer be accurate or relevant.