Work on a series of improvements to Royal Victoria Park is nearing completion, with the new aerial walkway at the Great Dell set to reopen next week, providing breath-taking viewpoints.
The Great Dell is a sunken wooded area, situated in the north part of Royal Victoria Park alongside Weston Road.
It is a former stone quarry, designed by William Beckford. It was planted out in the 1840s with a collection of unusual and specimen trees, including large North American conifers.
The walkway was built 20 years ago but closed in 2011.
The £74,000 restoration of the walkway, reopening on 5th October, will ensure that this historic area of the park can once again be enjoyed by residents and visitors.
Councillor Martin Veal (Conservative, Bathavon North), Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “I’m delighted that residents and visitors can once again enjoy this forgotten corner of Royal Victoria Park.
“The views from the aerial walkway through the trees and across the park are stunning and I’m sure it will prove to be extremely popular year round.”
Meanwhile, work is also nearing completion on a new, colourful wildflower meadow in the middle of Royal Victoria Park.
Rock and rubble excavated from the site of the refurbished skate park, which would otherwise have gone to landfill, has been recycled to help create the new meadow.
It’s design will also help to prevent unauthorised access onto the park, obstructing vehicles and preventing anti-social behaviour.
The new ‘Gait-Wilson Skate Park Meadows’ will provide ideal conditions for rare wildflowers and will be sown with seeds sourced from nearby St Catherine’s Valley.
The seeds should begin to germinate in Spring.
