More paths give better access to the countryside

Sep 23 2009 by Jade Wright, Birkenhead News

THERE is now more and better access to rural countryside in Merseyside and Cheshire than ever before, according to a Natural England study.

In the last five years, more than £500k has been spent in the Northwest to ensure we all have access to the region’s green and pleasant land.

Today, the network of paths and bridleways that give access to our countryside are enjoyed by millions every day thanks to a number of different types of access.

Many of these permissive access routes link existing rights of way to provide uninterrupted access to countless kilometres of paths. Now farmers and landowners can upgrade and repair paths as well as installing stiles, gates and bridges.

In Merseyside there are now more than 11km of permissive access paths and 1km of permissive access bridleway and cycle paths.

At Barrow Farm near St Helens, two routes are available via linked, circular paths. Each route takes walkers around arable fields with tree lines as field boundaries.

The wildlife likely to be seen includes woodland and farmland species such as the grey partridge.

In Cheshire there are 16km of paths and 3km of permissive access bridleway and cycle paths, with access to birds, small mammals and butterflies.

Ewan Nugent, Delivery Leader for Natural England’s agri-environment programme, confirmed: “In total, 100km of permissive access has been secured throughout the region.”