Environment section.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2021 15:09 Page 6
MENDIP TIMES
Greenways are go!
A COALITION of Somerset based and national organisations has come together to launch the Somerset Greenways Vision. They plan to use existing and proposed routes to link local communities using a combination of traffic free paths, former railway lines and quiet lanes to enable people of all abilities to make journeys by foot, cycle, mobility scooter and horses. There’s been good progress during the pandemic. The Frome Missing Links Group is heading north out of the town while the Strawberry Line volunteers have opened a path from Wells to Dulcote and plan to push on towards Shepton Mallet. Around Shepton it’s hoped to open up the viaducts and tunnels on the old Somerset and Dorset Line. Andrew Combes from the Somerset Rail to Trail Project said: “The idea of using disused railway lines has been rattling around for 30 years, with everyone saying what a great idea. “The climate emergency and Covid have given it more urgency now and
Finishing the path to Dulcote
local volunteers are doing an amazing job. “Local councils are very much behind the project as well as community groups and companies like Foster Yeoman who are for some sections providing stone for surfacing free of charge.” Various groups have now come together to form the Somerset Active Travel Forum to collaborate with each other and local authorities. The forum includes the Somerset Rail to Trail Project, Frome’s Missing Links, The Strawberry Line, The Steam Coast Trail, The Trails Trust, Greenways &
Frome Missing Links building path north from the centre of Frome towards Selwood Manor
The Strawberry Line team's original plan PAGE 6 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2021
The expanded network
Details: andrew@combes1.plus.com
Cycleroutes, Isle of Wedmore Access Group, Somerset Ramblers, Disabled Ramblers, Mendip Bridleways Association, South Somerset Bridleways Association, The British Horse Society, Cycling UK and Sustrans. The Rail to Trail Project says: “We challenge the notion that these routes will be used purely for leisure. With the advent of electric bikes and electric cargo bikes, the distances which our communities are able and willing to travel by sustainable means has increased significantly, especially given the overarching concerns of climate change and of improving public health, which we are all facing together.” It believes that when good quality infrastructure is provided, these routes will be used for “utility journeys” – commuting, shopping, accessing vital amenities as well as for exercise and leisure, with benefits to economic development, carbon reduction and habitat creation. The forum is encouraging local authorities, parishes and community groups to join in with their plans and fill in any gaps in their map.
