green infrastructure
green wheels keep rolling along
The mild winter of 2013-14 saw the creation of the Jubilee Wood in
Biggleswade, a major new green asset for the town. Nearly half of the
8,000 trees were planted by over 300 local residents, including many
school groups, who will in future years be able to watch their trees grow.
Near the centre of the wood is the BRCC Diamond Jubilee Orchard,
planted in December 2013 by BRCC staff, trustees and volunteers to
celebrate 60 years of service to communities across the county. The
Jubilee Wood forms just one element of the Biggleswade Green Wheel,
a partnership project between BRCC, Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC)
and Biggleswade Town Council. A ‘Green Wheel’ is a multi-user access
corridor encircling a settlement, linking sites of ecological, heritage and
landscape value. The Biggleswade Green Wheel is now on a roll. Other
recent works have been the creation of new path links off London Road
and behind Derwent Avenue to the south of the town; and the improvement
of surfacing on existing links between Shortmead Crossing and Potton
Road to the north.
A major new route for walkers and cyclists is currently under construction
between Mill Lane and Jordans Mill, including a new link west towards
Broom and Shuttleworth. Additional path creation and enhancement works
have recently taken place between Jordans Mill and Langford Road, further
improving local opportunities for walking and cycling. Thoughts are now
turning towards signage, information boards and the production of a leaflet
to guide people around the Wheel.
Sandy’s Masterplan... Meanwhile, neighbouring Sandy has also seen
the value of the Green Wheel concept. During the summer, BRCC and
CBC consulted local residents on a draft Masterplan, with a display, drop-in
events and an online questionnaire. Over 90% of people who completed
the questionnaire strongly agreed or agreed with the long term vision for the
SGW. Encouragingly, 12 people came forward wanting to become involved
either in practical volunteer activities associated with creating and caring for
the GW, or in a ‘user group’. The Masterplan is now being updated to reflect
the comments received; and formal adoption of the Masterplan is being
sought from Central Bedfordshire Council and Sandy Town Council. Funding
to implement 2 areas of the Wheel has already been secured.
Etonbury Green Wheel is born... With major housing growth in recent
years and in the pipeline, access to green space in the Arlesey, Stotfold and
Fairfield area has never been so important. Once again, the Green Wheel
‘concept’ or ‘idea’ appeared to meet the needs of all three communities, so
the Etonbury Green Wheel was born. It is anticipated that Etonbury Wood
will form the ‘hub’ of the wheel and become a focus for walking, cycling and
conservation activities.
BRCC secured funds from CBC and the three local Town and Parish
Councils to lead on the production of a Masterplan. Initial site visits and
potential route surveys have been undertaken by BRCC and members of the
Green Wheel working group.
Further surveying is being undertaken and a draft Masterplan will be
available for public consultation in 2015.
Ash Cliff Andrews on (01234) 832617 MI or at cliffa@bedsrcc.org.uk
to advertise telephone: 01462 834265 or go to the website: www.onthebuttonarlesey.co.uk
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December 2014
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